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Translation Experts USA P.O. Box 18035 • Denver, CO 80218-0035 (303) 329-8716 fax (303) 377-8220 (e-mail) transusa@usa.net NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
.___. In its misguided poli6 to protect the domestic computer industry adopted in the 80's, Brazil ended up missing the entrance for the information superhighway. Instead of creating a powerful computer force, the so-called market reserve handcuffed the development ofnew technologies, made computer products blatantly expensive and flooded the market with smuggled goods. Until recently, 2/3 of all computers being used in the country had been bought illegally.
8
It's catch-up time now. And Brazil is making up fast for the lost time. Sales of computers have been growing 100% a year and all the major American manufacturers, including IBM, Compaq, and Apple are producing their machines in Brazil, determined not to miss this boom. Brazilian manufacturers themselves are doing pretty well too. You can't mention computer these days without touching on the Internet. Brazilians have been hearing a lot about it. Globo's new prime-time novela (soap opera), which is watched by 50 million people —the same amount of Internauts all over the world — turns around a couple who fall in love talk-
CONTENTS
Cover
Computer fever
NEWSBRAZIL ON LINE http://www.earthlink.neti-brazzil ing through the Net. With people pacing the computer room while talking, the TV Internet is so slick, that some real Netters have being calling it a disinformation service. Any kind of a democratic Internet, even the one less than perfect that we know at the so-called first world, is still novela stuff in Brazil. The best computer technology will not solve the chronic shortage of phone lines and the bad quality of those already installed. But this is another tale for another cover story. Good bytes. R. M.
35 Comics
Mauricio, our Disney
16
38
Economy
Respectable Brazil
Travel
Folklore country Goias
18 Theater
Cover by Aylan Mello
One-actor mania
DEPARTMENTS
20 Behavior
The naturism fad
24 Cinema
The Barretos' clan
29 Short story
Marcos Rey's "0 Casardo Amarelo"
vir_A
41 Bienam
is
6 Rapidinhas 14 Letters 45 Brazilian Notas 46 The Cultural Pulse 47 Por al 49 Classifieds 50 U.S.A. Calendar 52 That's Brazilian
Ai
Bahia's black fest
42 Music
Sertanejo: It's country and it's cool
54 Special
Christmas, the Brazilian way TIME TO RENEW?
Send mail to: P.O. Box 42536- Los Angeles, CA 90050-0536 Sorry, we don't send (2 21535)-8205652-8-0S 62 u b_ sIn c fr oprtm i oant:i 0(n reminders. Look at the 2 1 3) 20505)-3 45 94 5-34953 label to know when your ds i t:o(r2ialI 3: ) Ed (8 subscription ends. Fax: (213) 257-3487 - INTERNET: brazilnews@aol.com
Publisher and Editor: Rodney Mello /Associate Editor: Carlos Ravelo / Editorial Assistant:,Graciela Castellanos / Entertainment Editors: Sam & Harriet Robbins/ Book Review: Bondo Wyszpolski / Representatives: MIAMI: Nosso Guia (305)972-3427 -SAN FRANCISCO: Felipe Magalhaes (415) 648-5966 - Washington, DC: Wilson Velloso (Correspondent) (301) 585-6549 - Founder: Gilberto Ferreira NEWS from BRAZIL is published monthly by News from Brazil -2039 N. Ave. 52, Los Angeles, CA, 90042-1024. Application to mail at secondclass postage rate is pending at Los Angeles, CA. Single copy sold for $2. One year subscription for 12 issues is $3 (three dollars) in the U.S., $15 in Canada and Mexico, and $18 (surface mail) in all other countries. Allow 5 to 7 weeks to receive your first issue. You may quote from or reprint any of the contents with proper copyright credit. Editorial submissions are welcome. Includes SASE (self addressed and stamped envelope), if you want your material mailed back. News from Brazil assumes no responsibility for any claims made by its advertisers. POST MASTER : Please, send address changes to News from Brazil - P.O. Box 42536 - Los Angeles, CA - 90050-0536 NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
5
o o °int Ai o
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Senhor Presidente dos Efiados (Thaw da America: Vossa Excelencia
imagina
do rpm 1/ma Didoren capaz.
Photo-op
By the book Brazil has made it into the Guinness Book of World Records again and not for any weird category such as the biggest soap bubble or the ugliest woman alive. Paultsta (from Sao Paulo) Jose Carlos Ryoki Inoue, 49, has gained a place in the book as the world's most prolific writer. Since July 1985, using 39 different noms de plume, he has written 1020 romances. A pulp fiction author. Ryoki has specialized in private-eye and cowboy stories. And he shares the page with an already famous Brazilian writer: Jorge Amado. Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon's author is cited in the Guinness as the fictionist alive who has sold more books than anyone else. Amado wrote 32 romances which sold 20 million copies in 48 languages.
Road revamping The Ministry of Trans6
Secret revealed Hillary Rodham Clinton, passed every test during her recent trip to Brazil: the elegance test, the courtesy test, the charm test, the intelligence test. The American First Lady flunked, however, the cross-your-leas test. Every little girl learns from her mom, who learned from her mom, that nice girls cross their legs or at least keep them together when seating in public places in skimpy dresses. Mrs. Clinton forgot this simple rule and ended up revealing a piece of her most intimate clothing to the indiscreet lenses of Brasilia's photo-reporters while talking to much more discreetly dressed Ruth Cardoso, her Brazilian counterpart. Always thriving on controversy, lingerie manufacturer Du Loren used the occasion for a dubious homage to the First Lady. Taking a spread in magazines, .the company published an ad with a mes-
sage for Mr. Clinton: "Mr. President of the United States of America: Your Excellency can't imagine what a Du Loren is capable of.- And in smaller letters at the bottom: "A Du Loren's homage to one of this decade's most important women." The White House complained, the campaign was pulled out, but Du Loren had already made its point. As for Mrs. Clinton she should have been warned by her advance men. Brazilian photojournalists are famous forgetting indecent exposures. Last Carnaval, they exposed the whole intimacy of model and call girl Lilian Ramos — she wasn't wearing panties or anything else under the T-shirt-skirt she had — when entertaining then President hamar Franco. Ex-First Lady Rosane Collor and ex-Finance Minister Zelia Cardoso were also caught with her panties showing.
portation has given up Via Dutra, the road that connects Rio and sao Paulo, the two biggest Braziiian cities. The Dutra is part of BR 116, a highway that cuts Brazil from North to South and is also known as Rodovia da Morte (Death Roaday). For years, that vital artery has practically been abandoned, left thout signs and badly d potholes. Carnargo Correa and Andrade Gutierrez, two big contractors, are now in charge of the highway. in exchange they will be able to explore its tollgates for the next 25 years. They promise to nest $120 millions only in emergency repairs in he next six months. The government was planning on spending no more than $10 million in the same period. Instead of fixing potholes the federal government used to place ions to warn drivers about their existence. Other federal road privatizations — they tal 32 000 km — are on he way. Blowing the cover It's no secret Brasilia's politicians are a very sexliberated bunch. Lobbyists are famous for promoting parties in hotel suites in which more than hats and coats are taken out. Acknowledging this reality Playtime, a Brasflia motel, has opened its group-sex suite, in which up to 20 people can frolic in a sumptuous set, with sunroof, dance floor, Jacuzzi, two super kingsize beds. plus multipurpose sofas and sofa-beds. NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
The new suite was immediately booked for the n:glit, several weeks in advance. The fcishour rent for the suersuite is a modest $138 on weekdays, rising to $165 from Friday to Sunday. There is a $20 additional per person when the group exceeds four.
Brattlio's new adventure Branlio has started another campaign. He first became famous as a talkative penis on an anti-AIDS TV ad. The promotion ended fast when whole Braulios menaced to take the federal government to• court because of their moniker's use. Now, Braujo is launelii-vg his name as candidate for mayor of sao Paul.o. The canchtlacy has been presented by PATO (duck, but also the abbreviation for Partido Abst-ato Tropical Gram° — Visionary Tropical Abstract Party) with the slogan: "This one you know. Braulio for IT ayor." Posters with the message and a_ telepraone for contact (826-5839) have been glued all over town. Braulio is the ideal cand:date, says PA TO's president Jose Roberto Reder Borges, 44. "He has penetration in all social classes," he explains, adding: " He is also very ecologicalminded. He loves a bush"
Sparing no dime Juiz de Fora's (Minas Gerais) mayor has started a media campaign o convince the population to not give alms to minors. "The morey you give will never get him
NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
e avio
Six-pack fun If it's from Bahia .it has to be hot As in revious summers Baianos are exporting a new dance to tie rest of Brazil. Under the seemingly innocent name of ' anca da garrafa' (bottle dance) the northern state has crea ed a very racy rhythm with less than subtle sexual provocation. No secret to the dance. A woman places a bottle on the floor and begins dancing over it and while the music proceeds she starts lowering herself over it until her genitals touch the bottle s mouth. Rio and sao Paulo have already approved the risque steps. It was Willys Batista de Araujo and Eleonor Sacramento's song "Na Boca da Garrafa" ("On the Bottle's Mouth") that started the new craze. The music became ahit after Salvador's (Bahia's capital) Gerasamba band started to play the tune, The lyrics are full of double entendres. Take a look: , No samba eta me diz que rala In the samba she tqlls me she No samba eu ja vi eta quebrar rubs No samba eta me diz que rala In the samba I've seen her rala brealcing down No samba eu ja vi eta quebrar In the samba she tells me she No samba eta gosta do rala, rub-rubs rala In the samba I've seen her Me trocou pela garrafa breaking down Nao agtientou e foi ralar In the samba she tells me she Vai ralando na boquinha da rubs garrafa In the samba she likes the E na boca da garrafa rubbing Vai descendo na boquinha da She swapped me for the bottle garrafa She couldn't wait and went to E na boca da garrafa rub Desce mais, desce mais urn Get rubbing on the bottle's pouquinho : mouth Desce mais, desce On the bottle's mouth devagarinho Get down on the bottle's Vai saindo da boquinha da . mouth garrafa On the bottle's mouth E na boca da garrafa Get down, down a little more Vai subindo na boquinha da Get lower, very slowly garrafa Get out of the botte ! s mouth E na boca da garrafa Of the bott e's mouth Sobe mais, sobe mais um Get up, up a lute more pouquinho Rise up, very slowly Sobe mais, sobe devagarinho Yeah, she likes a rubbing and E, ela gosta do rala-rala e no when the sambas embalo do samba All se thinks is to rub herself Eta so pensa em ralar She likes the rubbing Ela gosta do rala-rala She saw the bottlp's mouth, Viii a boca da garrafa, nAo couldn't resist, ahd went to a2tientou e foi ralar rub
To the highest bidder Tarsila do Amaral's "Abaporu" has been bought at a New York Christie's auction by Eduardo Constantini, an Argentinean businessman. The picture, which was painted in 1928, is a milestone of Brazilian modernism. Sao Paulo state government tried to prevent the sale of the work when Raul Forbes, a Puttlista art collector, announced the impending sale, but the action was considered illegal by the courts. Forbes had the painting since 1984. For years the work had been available with no private or public party showing any serious interest. Constantini paid $1.4 million, the highest price ever disbursed for a Brazilian painting. He was the same guy who spent $3.2 million to buy Mexican Frida Kahlo's Self-Portrait with Afonkey curd Parrot. Lasar Segall and Candid° Portinari, two other importantat Brazilian modernist painters, never sold a painting for more than $500,000.
off the streets", says one, poster with a Picture of a' poor little boy. The 1 campaign asks people to contribute to charitable institutions and guarantees that the municipal government has the resources to deal with all the street kids.
0
Collected po cco Press is releas Ein et this month the bi g AndC raadrelo' ss ap nrtuh 111iongoyi ed evdesret m. published in the US tneiroin Drummond, mond, who.' died onsidered our most important is cp modern poetortTan h anthologf s title: TA.W e' ing in,the Family Mi Buenos
Aires, querida
badly informed on Bliw raozil is the CIA? On it hotnepage on the Internet, there's a p?oto with the legend: Rao de Janeiro, capital of Brazil. Brazil's capital has . moved to Brasilia in 960. Adding harm to injury the city sholyn int the picture shown is no Rio, but Buenos Aires. seem, s that in the US,, Argentina's capital will be forever Brazil capital too.:
fter years of being fed a diet of smuggled, over priced computers that cost as much as three times more than a similar prod uct in the US, Brazilians ave been caught in an increasing computer-buying frenzy since the socalled reserva de mercado — a measure that imposed exorbitant taxes on imported hardware and software — has been lifted by the government in 1992. The market reserve was created as a means to protect an incipient computer industry in the 80s, but instead of propelling the machines' domestic production, the measure condemned Brazil to the basement of computer technology. The country has fewer computers per capita than smaller economies like Mexico, Argentina and Venezuela. Canada has a computer business three times bigger than Brazil's but this situation should change in only two years, according to Paulo Andre de Andrade, an executive with IBM of Brazil. So hungry have been Brazilians for computers that 800,000 people packed Sao Paulo's Fenasoft, a five-day, 2,000-exhibitors computer expo in its ninth edition in July. People weren't discouraged either by the steep $30 admission price or by a 30-minute or longer wait in line. US Compaq, financing its computers in 10 months, was able to sell, only on the first day of the show, more than 1,000 units of the Presario CDS 524 ($330 x 10), just one of the models the company was showcasing. Apple Computers was also a big hit slashing prices on its Macintosh Performa 630 and selling more than $10 million in equipment. Bottom line: 60,000 computers sold in five days and $3 billion in business for Fenasoft. Who was the biggest IBM reseller in the world last December?. It wasn't any computer megastore in the US or Europe. The title was given to Unibanco, a Brazilian bank which through its Micro 30 Horas project and its 650 branches all over the country, was able to sell almost 32 thousand IBM items ---- including Aptiva computers, accessories and software — in one month. The program was part of a plan to get 100,000 clients on line by the end of 1996. The results came as a surprise to IBM and everybody else involved. In three months, 14,800 model-486 computers were sold at a price of $2,400 or 36 installments of $110. IBM sold 69,000 microcomputers in Brazil in 1994, 30% of them to the home consumer. This represented a 125% increase in sales when compared to the previous year. Compaq, the second place in sales, sold 45,000 devices in 1994, this against 17,000 in 1993. The company expects to sell around 100,000 units this year. The business world has been looking with covetous eyes to this Brazilian technological fever in a 160,000-people nation in which only 3% of the families (against 35% in the US) have a computer. Most of the population cannot even 8
dream of !laving a computer, but 25 million people, that is, 8 million families are willing and ready to join the fun. Experts have been trying to explain the late bloom and boom. They note that inflation has fallen in Brazil from close to 50%a month in the middle of 1994 to a much more manageable monthly rate of around 2%. This allowed a whole generation of Brazilians to see prices falling down instead of skyrocketing continuously. Last year computer product prices fell an average of 50% and a similar decrease in prices has happened this year. The decline in cost has continued in such a way that some products are just 10 to 20% more expensive than their similar in the US. The demand for computers has increased by 100% in 1994 and by the same amount again in 1995. Until 1993,75% of the computers being used in Brazil had been smuggled in the country in the whole or piece by piece and assembled in clandestine workshops. At the end of 1994 that ratio had fallen to 50%. The numbers should be inverted by the end of next year, when it's expected that 75% of the computers will be sold by the formal commerce. Prices have fallen so drastically that sometimes smugglers are not able to match the legal industry's prices. New estimates have calculated the number of domestic computers at 1.5 million, even though only half a million of these machines were officially bought, that is, with all the papers and taxes. Brazil has today a market of close to 4 million computers, but this number might triple by the end of the decade. In the next four years the country should get more machines than it got in the latest IS. None other than Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman and Mr. Computer himself, has declared recently, "Brazil is today, together with Japan, one of the most attractive potential markets for computers." Not mere words. Microsoft is investing heavily in Brazil. The company has established its own factory in the country and Brazilians together with the rest of the world were able to get Windows 95 — in Portuguese — the same day it was released all over the world. At the end of 1994. Microsoft had already sold 2 million copies of its DOS and Windows operating systems. Software is still very expensive in Brazil. Microsoft's Word for Windows, for example, a program used for word processing, costs more than $400. To circumvent this, pirates have distributed copies of the program through Rio and Sao Paulo street-vendors who charge $50 for the software. With the reduction of software prices and consequent decrease of software piracy Microsoft expects to triple its business in the next few months. Every other computer multinational seems interested in getting a slice of the excitement. IBM has taken the lead in the hardware department and has been selling its notebooks made in Brazil since the end of last year. The company NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
There are, this numbe a computer so-called m machines. P practiced in
NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
o fourmillionco• uters in Brazil today. But ip„le by the end'I' the decade. There's been ountry since e government ended the • hich proh101, ,, the sale of imported Ilen dovil • close to the pric tist 'sta.
9
has become the number-one seller of computers in the country with a 30% share of the market. Olivetti, the European giant, famous in the past for its line of typewriters, has opened its computer factory in May 1994 in the interior of Sao Paulo. World-leader home-computer seller Compaq, in partnership with Microsoft, has started aggressively. It has a ability to produce 400,000 computers a year, which is the total capacity of market right now. Having started production in their Jaguarifina (interior of Sao Paulo) factory in October 1994, their plan is to win 25% of the Brazilian market in the next few years. Japanese Toshiba and American Digital have also big plans for Brazil. After much consideration and assurances that the piracy problem was disappearing, Apple also decided to participate in this gold rush. According to Luis Rubio, Apple Computer's general manager for Latin America, Brazil is on the top of a five-country priority list for emerging markets, in front of China, Mexico, India and South Korea. There is another motive behind all this interest in manufacturing in Brazil: as it happened before with the auto industry, the government is giving enough incentives to convince even the more skeptical companies like Apple to pitch their tent in the country. The Ministry of Science and Technology, among others, is giving the firms IPI (industrialized products tax) exemption. The new Lei da Informatica also grants reductions of up to 50% in income taxes to computer manufacturers. To get these benefits, however, the companies have to invest in research and development and manufacture the computer components, including the CPU (Central Processing Unit), in Brazil. The informatica sector as the computer segment is called in Brazil is growing 25% this year. This means that the country is counting on closing the year with a volume of $8 billion in sales of computer hardware and software. Jorge Schreurs, Compaq of Brazil's president, estimates that 750,000 new computers will be sold in Brazil this year alone. This in a global market of 70 million such devices, with 8 million being sold in the OS alone. There are estimates that the Brazilian market for microcomputers — including hardware and software — is around $5 billion. More than $1.5 billion are coming from the so10
Plugged in the world Like the rest of the world Brazil is entranced by the Internet. But it has been a more than bumpy road to get to the promised information superhighway. At the beginning of last year there were only 3,600 computers connected to the Internet and all of them were in universities and schools. Half of them in Sao Paulo. It was in 1989 that Brazil had its first taste of the Internet thanks to an agreement between the Institut° Brasileiro de Analises Socials (IBASE) and the California Institute. Starting in 1993, the Ministry of Science and Technology's Rede Nacional de Pesquisa (RNP) took over the control of the Net. Only at the end of 1994 big companies were able to be part of the Net. Before that they were making do by utilizing alternative systems like BBSs (Bulletin Board Systems) which were being used as intermediaries to the Internet and allowed group discussions among the members of the closed club. Some big BBSs in Rio and sao Paulo have more than 10,000 members. That's the way Microsoft do Brasil, for example, was getting E-mail. This situation can only be explained because until recently the exploration of all communication in Brazil was a monopoly of the state. When Embratel, the state organ in charge of communications, started to accept applications at the beginning of the year for the Internet, there were 18,000 people in line (not on line). With the opening of the market to private companies to provide services it's expected that 200,000 people will be connected to the Net by year's end. When Embratel finally announced the prices to access Internet there was more than a little grumbling. The company created a matriculation fee of $35 plus a monthly basic tariff of $50 for 15 hours of the Net's use. Every hour after that costs $3. These prices don't include taxes or the telephone call itself. Only in October the first private companies started to offer access. All of them have to buy the phone lines from Embratel and then resell the NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1996
service to the public. Rio's CentroIn, for example, is charging $23 for registration, a $26 monthly fee that guarantees 20 hours of use, with each extra hour costing $3. Some internauts were venting their anger at soc.culture.brazil, a very active forum for things Brazilian in the newsgroup section of the Internet. After describing a series of problems with his EMail, a disgruntled customer wrote: "We are making believe we have Internet. The worst part is that the world out there believes that we do have it." There are still few Brazilian pages in the Word Wide Web, Internet's graphic showcase, but this number is growing fast. At last count there were close to 1,000 personal and commercial homepages, as the sites are called in internetese. Besides such big companies like IBM and Microsoft which want to advertise their products, some big publications have already given a taste of their goods. Rio's Jornal do Brasil was the first to publish a daily on line issue. It's still the most complete of them. Rio Grande do Sul's Zero flora and Rio's 0 Globo have their own weekly computer supplements in their site. Folha de SCio Paulo, the paper with the biggest circulation in the country, and 0 Estado de S. Paulo have a more symbolic presence on the WWW. Most of the information put out by 0 Estada can only be accessed through paid subscription. Interestingly all major Brazilian newspapers have weekly supplements dealing with computers. They are informative, full of ads and run for 20 pages or more. Despite all the commotion around Internet even people we assume would be well informed sometimes don't know exactly what the name means. In a recent survey of Brazilian executives by Manager, a poll company, 50.1% didn't answer correctly the question: What is Internet? It's a data bank that can only be accessed with the US government approval, responded 26.1%. Another 12.5% said that it was a software network created by the Brazilian government and 11.5% preferred to leave the question unanswered. Only 49.9 knew it was a worldwide network of computer networks linking millions of people. But that was before G lobo network made the word Internet a household word. Read box about soap opera Explode Coraccio. NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
called Soho (small office home office) market. By comparison, this same market represents an annual $13 billion business in the US. In a new phenomenon in the country, at the beginning of the year computer manufactures found out in a mix of delight and despair that they weren't able to deliver all the machines ordered. To get an IBM Aptiva equipped with multimedia, the wait on line was taking one month. The delay was similar for those willing to get their hands on an Apple's Performa 630 or a Compaq's multimedia Presario. In a study conducted by Claim e Andersen Consulting and published by newsweekly magazine Veja in June, it was revealed that 1/3 of the so-called classes A and B (the very rich and upper middle class) have computers at home. This is t e same level of computer ownership for the US. For clasp A alone, the rate is a computer for every two homes. Ac ording to Claim e Andersen, there were 1.24 million m chines in these homes, with 520,000 of them owning nodems and 395,000 having multimedia capabilities. A , hole two thirds of these devices were smuggled in the country mostly from Taiwan, Singapore and Miami. The data came as a revelation to many, since the computer industry itself used to estimate the number of home computers at less than half million. And how are these computers being used? To play games (according to 86% of the owners), to do office work at home (84%), and to do school work (72%). While in the US the home computer is used an average of three hours a day in Brazil its use is only one hour. In many cases the machine sits there mute and immobile, more as a symbol of status than as a useful tool. Another sign of the computer democratization is the places the products are being seen in lately. Until very recently only specialized shops sold the machines. Nowadays they can be found at electronic stores like Casa Centro, hypermarkets like Makro, camera stores such as Fotoptica and even department magazines like Mappin. For Fotoptica this is their second attempt to sell computers. A first try in 1985 was abandoned since the company wasn't able to compete with the main competition at that time: smugglers. So Paulo's biggest specialized store is Computer Place. Their growth is a mirror of what is happening in the computer market all over the country. In 1993, the super store sold $13 million in hardware and software. The following year that amount had increased to $40 million. Estimates for 1995 are the sale of 25,000 computers and $90 million in business. In an interview with bi-weekly business magazine Exame, Silvio Mode seemed ecstatic with the results. "Computers are not seen as sandmen anymore," he said. "For us, every week is better than the one that just passed. I have customers for a megastore. What I don't have is product." Even the best supplied stores, for example, have little more than 500 titles of software, less than 1% of what is available in the American market in which there are more than 100,000 titles. More and more computers are being shown in bank lobbies not only for the clients use but also as a sample of the product sold by the financial institution. Besides IBM, other big computer manufacturers like Acer, Hewlett Packard and C mpaq have signed agreements with the major banks to market their machines. Strict regulations from the CentIlal Bank don't allow financing for more 11
than four months to individuals, but self-employed people and companies get a break, being able to buy their computer in installments up to 36 months. Charging monthly interests from 5% to 7% the proposition is a license to steal, but to some consumers that's the only way they can get ahold of what has become a necessity. Banks and clients get another perk: the computer comes with an installed program that makes the buyer's terminal an extension of the institution in which he has his account. Brazil is trying to catch up also on the way computer is used in business. Banks are in the forefront of this revolution with their home banking projects. Brazilians have known electronic tellers since the 80s, but their use only became common place in the last few years. In 1990 there were only 4,200 of these machines in the country. Their number had jumped to 20,000 in 1994, and they were responsible for 1.4 billion transactions. By comparison, in 1994 Americans made 7.2 transactions in 100,000 automated teller machines. Some supermarkets and stores, after having adopted computers to read bar-coded products are starting to offer virtual shopping in which the client buys via computer screen and receives the products at home. The Pao de Acucar supermarket chain, the second largest in the country, has pioneered the concept of on line purchase in Brazil. For now, only Paulistanos (those from sao Paulo city) will be able to shop via computer. But come March the project will be implemented also in the interior of sao Paulo, and the states of Rio de Janeiro and Ceara. The client gets a CD ROM with 3,000 products contained in the supermarket's shelves. Only fruit and vegetables are excluded from the list. Apparently Brazilians 12
High-tech soap Explode C'oraet-to, Globo's new prime-time novela (soap opera) may have many gorgeous and charming characters but none so hip and multitalented as Internet. Heroes and villains are connected through a computer and Internet. The world computer Net is arguably the main character in a time slot that traditionally guarantees Globo a share of close to 50% of the TV audience in Brazil— that means 50 million people, the same number of Net users all over the world — the immense majority having never touched a computer. Newspaper's TV supplements talked for months before the novela started about all the research Glifiria Perez, the author, had done, including exchanging ideas with internauts from all over the world through E-mail. As a good feui I leton, ExplodeCoraceio has all the obligatory corny ingredients: a beautiful young woman whose family expels her from home when she falls in love with someone who doesn't share their ethnic background, a heartless businessman worried only in advancing his career, the confrontation between traditions and modern life. It also has its share of weirdness with a drag-queen fighting to adopt an HIV positive kid and a nightclub dancer searching for her kidnapped son. Dara (Tereza Seiblitz), the heroine, inspired on a real-life character, is a gypsy who starts a romance with a Brazilian businessman, Julio FalcAo (Edson Cellulari) whom she meets through the Internet. FalcAo is in Japan on a business trip when he first listens on line to the frustration of a young Brazilian gypsy. "I was intrigued by the way the Internet is capable of connecting the most weird and different people," said Perez in a recent interview. "In the Internet these chance encounters, which would be considered novela stuff, are happening all the time." The plot has also a timid computer whiz called Edu who on line becomes a most charming seducer. "What reality separates, this screen links," says Julio Falcao referring to the computer monitor at the beginning of the story. For Falcao and for all the others the Internet connections are always fast and clear. The Internet of Explode Coracaro is full of whistles, images and sounds, much slicker than the real thing and without all the glitches that normally plague the Net. The novela has generated another novela on Internet itself. Some habituÊs from the Brazilian forum soc.culture.brazil have been charging Perez with the crime of misinforming the public about the real Net. Internauts can be very sensitive. "It seems incredible that someone who looks so well informed as the author would show the main characters connecting through Internet in a way at least curious, not to say weird, " wrote a dissatisfied spectator. "I felt personally insulted by the way chat is presented in the Net," wrote another one. Some were even less charitable accusing the writer of crass ignorance. At the end, the relax-it's-only-fiction gang intervened, with a forum user commenting, "I cannot understand this jealousy for the Internet reality. Let's not forget that Gleria Perez has poetic license." Now, best-seller writer-journalist-politician Fernando Morais, whose "Chato o Rei do Brasil", about media mogul Assis Chateaubriand, was the most talked about book of 1994, is also joining the Internet bandwagon to write his next book. His theme is the -20th Century's history underground" and he wants to hear from anybody who has heroic or less than heroic stories which haven't been adequately told. He has set up shop in the Net( E-mail address: morais@sol.uniemp.br) and is open to suggestions from all over the world. NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
°me surf with us News from Brczil has been on line on the WWW since une. Our acdress is http:www.earthlink.net/-brazzil. At our site you can jump directly to these and some other Brazil-related • ages: Publications: Agencia Estado -0 Estado de S. Paulo news agency n Portuguese: litp://worldnews.net/estado/ estadopub.luml Didrio do Nordesto- A taste of the Brazilian Northeast In Portuguese: http://www.etfce.br/--diario/ .Folha de Sao ,Paulo - Tidbits of Brazil's largest daily - Ir. Portuguese: http://www.embratel.net.briinfoserv/ agfolhatindex.html Jornal do Brasil - Ric's daily newspaper - In Portuguese: "Ittp://www.ibase,hr/Ab/ Globo - Coriputer supplement of this Rio's daily In Portuguese: bttpl/www embratel.net.br/-oglobo/ index .html ZH Infonlikica -Computer supplement of Zero Hora - In Portuguese: http://www.embratel.net.beinfoservi zerohoratindex.html Literary Texts - A collection of Brazilian authors' excerpts - Pc rtuguese & English: http://www.cr-sp.rnp.br/ literatura/autores.hunl Brazil Report - Economic news In English: http:// www.softopt.co.ukilatin/lbrazil.htmi
Universities & Institutes: University of Sao Paulo (USP): _ittp://www.embratel.isp.bir ?ontificia Universidade CatOlica do Rio de Janeiro: ittp://Nvww.pisc-rio:br Cardiff University of Wales - Brazilian Society: .ittp://www.cflat.uk/itvvcc/suon/brazilibraz-soc.html
Entertainment & Music: cscola de Samba Impdrio do Papagaio - From Finland: http://wwvv.eunet flipapagaio/papagaio.html SambaLa - From Los Angeles, USA: http://www.webcom.com!--sambala Brazil Music Horne Page :attp://pasture.ecn.pdue.edu/-agenhtml/agenmc/ brazil/bmusc.html
Links of links: Point StrveY Brazil -Top rated Brazilian WEB gif/?brazil vv places: ltiP://ww•PoMlconixotniegi-bill/PursultYahoo Brazil: http://search.yaho.cc/binIsearch?pbrazil nl, r vi Brazilis Index Seri • http://www.embratel.netbr/ isclietni infoserv/asebrazi is is wwww.magics,com u Web Central http /b s/ brazil/brasil.htitil Webra Catalogue: littp://www.enibratel net.br/ infoserv/vvelard NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER ,995
won t buy these items without touching them first. The images the customers gets when clic ing in the different sections are those of the roducts wrapped in their packages. Anothe click gives a close up of the desired Agiu showing its price. e call is free and a typical purchase shou dn't last more than five minute.' Option to pay are charge and check. Pretty on paper. But in real life, the buyer will have to deal with computer crashes and phone lines ofte as busy and temperamental as the weat er. Besides, while the real shelves will beg;tting new products every day the virtual ones will be updated only every three months. S me Brazilians are having experiences that ost people of the first world have only hear of. Take the example of the smart card. A fe pioneers have been "charging" their card n electronic tellers with a certain amount and hen using it to pay small bills like gas, med eine and lunch. Or look at what the clie s of Pernambuco's Mercantil bank are doin with their $300,000 project called "Ilan bank", in English. 11 17,000 customers were offered palmtop computers that can access the bank's central files 24 hours a day. 13radesco, the biggest Brazilian private bank, has been offerin its services, among other ways, through vide games. All parents have to do — beside persuading their children to give the mac inc for some minutes — is to insert a spec al cartridge in the device and connect it to th phone. nd believe it or not, Brazil, which has mor than 1,000 companies developing softwar ,has been exporting software to the first wonl including an operational system to the US rmy. This was a $1 million business cou executed by sao Paulo's Microbase, whi sold 2,500 copies of its VirtuOS 386 to the merican military. ustralia, Japan and the US also bought 3,00 copies of Xpost, an electronic mail prog am created by Lantec, another cornpan from SAo Paulo. Amerinvest, developer of t Autoprogram, a program that creates othe programs, has opened a branch in Flor dá, after its success in Spain. Brazil is only crawling, however, when the subject is the production of CD-ROMs. Amcing the pioneers are Folha de Sao Paulo which put on disk the entire 1994 text of that daily newspaper and Editora Abril which publishes its Almanaque Abril also on CD. The first pornographic game on CD-ROM was released a few months ago. Mister CDROM, the company responsible for the exploit, had a stand at the Fenasoft with Silvana Maria, the star from "Sex, o Jogo". Fans were so excited by the presence of Silvana that they ended up breaking a window to get closer and touch the actress. Some 1,000 of them bought the game at $40 a piece. 13
BLACK AWARENESS I would like to congratulate News from Brazil for the article on the history and current situation of the black population in Brazil (October 95 issue). As a Brazilian myself, I know the implications and the need for such call for awareness. I believe this issue touches the core of social transformation of a nation in which much educational, political, and cultural endeavors must be undertaken in order to put the many historical mistakes in proper perspective. The notion of social justice in Brazil has for too long overlooked racial issues to the detriment of a serious treatment of the real thing, that is, the losses and pain of the black population. News from Brazil is certainly helping to enhance the public's view and promoting a positive forum for discussion. Sidinei Men donca Northern Arizona University Flagstaff Arizona
BAD TASTE Was it really necessary to show a picture of Adriana Galisteu shaving her pubic hair on the latest issue of News from Brazil (Rapidinhas, November 1995)? That was a low blow to your readers' good taste. Enough is enough... Paulo Duarte Columbia, South Carolina
STOP THIS! Not trying to be rude, but what is the point of creating an opening page for Brazil on the WEB, showing a little boy staring sadly at the typist? You guys did a good job on the news, but I think Brazil is rich enough to have better presentations to the world. What about the beaches in Rio, Santos? No wonder Americans have the impression they have today about our country. The first chance you have to show Brazil into a world connection, you show an Ethiopian-like citizen. Nitiana Oliveira University of South Alabama Mobile, Alabama
BORN TO LOVE BRAZIL Jam very happy for having subscribed to News from Brazil. Since I moved from Los Angeles to Bend, Oregon, I've felt lost in the woods. But receiving your monthly issues and reading the articles and events make me feel alive. Thank you, guys! You are invited to participate in this dialogue. Write to: Letters to the Publisher P.O. Box 42536 Los Angeles, CA 90050-0536 or send E-mail to: brazilnewsii aol.com Please, include a phone number in the event u.e need to reach you. Thanks!
There are a few Brazilian students in the area and also in the city of Portland who are! anxious to get their first issue of News from Brazil. That's one of my purposes in life:' promote the Brazilian culture which I'm in love with since I was born. Thank you for the effort you put in getting the articles, concert, promotions, events, etc., together giving me the opportunity to keep in touch with the people I love so much: Brazilians .\Itiito obrigada! Yolanda Segura Bend, Oregon
WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED Found News from Brazil on the World Wide Web. It sounds like my kind of magazine. Enclosed find a money order for $15 for a yearly subscription. Terry Cooper Ottawa, Canada
of 95, so I have been without News from Brazil all these months and as I renew my subscription I would like to know if it would be possible to backdate the orders to May so that I can receive the copies I have missed. Lenny Martin Las Vegas, Nevada
FROM THE TEXAS COLONY Estou no Texas ha menos de tre's meses e muito me alegrou saber que temos aqui nos Estados Unidos uma publicacao mensal mostrando as novas do Brasil. Nth) hesitei. Estou assinando imediatamente. E veja que a turma de brasileiros aqui em College Station (Texas A&M University) é relativamente numerosa. Já ultrapassa, entre adultos e criancas, a cifra de 150. Jose Fltivio Lopes College Station, Texas
NORWAY CALLING
JOKING AROUND
I came across this wonderful magazine while looking for information on Brazil for my university assignment. I understand that a one year subscription would be only $18. I will send the check by mail ASAP. Best wishes. Janis Stalbergs Oslo, Norway
Sua -rapidinha- sobre a Voz do Brazil (News from Brazil — October 95) recordou-me algumas anedotas sobre a dita cuja. Durante algum tempo o clamor dos ouvintes forcou a Voz do Brazil a contentarse com meia hora. No comeco, o programa abria com um hino patriotic°. Qual? Nao me lembro mais. Conta-se que o presidente Getulio Vargas estava num hotel, numa cidade do Norte, e veio a briosa local fazer-lhe uma serenata. Na sacada do quarto vizinho, uma senhora tomava fresca. Quando a banda rompeu no famigerado hino, ouviu-se de dentro do quarto uma voz rouca: Laidinha, desliga o radio, que a inana vai comecar". Uma variante posterior e do tempo em que a protofonia do Guarani já substituira o hino. Coloca o Getulio na casa de um coronet da Guarda Nacional, em Mato Grosso. 0 radio ligado todo tempo. As 19 horas, o coronet finge grande interesse, para agradar o hospede. Mas da gaiola, urn papagaio parlapatao, talvez comuna, imita a voz do patrao: "Mariinha, apaga essa joca!" Wilson Velloso Silver Spring, Maryland
SPARE OUR EYES I love everything about your magazine except small white print on a black background. Headline blacks are OK, but whole text drives my eyes crazy. Also, I'm hoping that as time goes by you'll be getting more advertisers from the Midwest. Katie Orr Minneapolis, Minnesota
A STEAL Please renew my subscription to this wonderful and informative magazine about our terrinha maravilhosa. Not even in the Cruzeiro Era would I find such a bargain! H. Marcelo Williams Alexandria, Virginia
NO OLD ISSUES. SORRY I am a long-term reader and subscriber and have taken your informative magazine with me to Brazil where it was also nicely
received. M subscrton eired in May
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Looking good With a series of laws that help combat corruption and create opportunities for growth, Brazil has won a new respectability in the world. Inflation has fallen dramatically, the economy is still growing, and the country is taking the lead among emerging countries. CARLOS E. F. BARRETO
The Brazilian government is experiencing a transitional change in its method of conducting politics. The pressure exerted on Congress, by the population, businesses and the political power of President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, has shaped a new wave of productive changes to the country's Constitution. For years the country had stagnated due to the lack of national pride and ill-placed self-interest on the part of politicians, a group placed on the bottom end of the public's trust according to a survey in all major Brazilian cities. It is finally apparent to politicians that they must make important changes to insure economic growth and a contented population, and naturally their own survival. The new spirit and the implemented changes have garnered attention from all major economies around the world. During the United Nations 50th year Anniversary in October, president Cardoso' s impressively busy agenda has highlighted Brazil's unprecedented place among world leaders. As the world's 10th largest economy, Brazil is seriously being considered to hold a seat at the UN Security Council. In addition, the country's admittance into the Missile Technologies Control Regime, a group of nations seeking to prevent proliferation of missile-capable technology, reinforces its new found prestige. Such positive steps point to future in which Brazil will be the leading representative of all developing nations. The credibility of the nation has solidified. In October alone, $3 billion of foreign investment have been added to the existing $50 billion reserves. It is important s to note that this inflow of foreign capital is mainly for long-term investment. In the automobile industry, new factories from Volkswagen, Renault, Mercedez and 16
Mitsubishi have been announced, and improvements to existing ones, including Fiat and Volkswagen are under way. Brazil's economic stability is an important factor for its political achievements. Although political achievements are succeeding internationally, domestically it still has a long way to go. The first wave to wash filthiness from Brazilian political shores was begun by ex-president Itamar Franco. He ran the country after Fernando Collor de Mello was impeached charged with passive corruption. Franco, a very honorable man, appointed Fernando Cardoso as his Finance Minister. It was Cardoso who would control inflation with a series of efficient macroeconomics policies. By December 1995, the yearly aggregate rate of inflation will be below 20%, a record low since 1976. And although the consumption spree that sprang from the currency stabilization has leveled with a policy of high interest rates, the economy will still grow 5% this year. In order to make sure that the disease from the past decade does not haunt the country in the future, major changes must occur. The problem of inefficiency and political patronage created by state-run monopolies are on the verge of eradication. The Brazilian Congress passed amendments to open telecommunication, oil, mining, and electric industries to private and foreign investment. Furthermore, an amendment, which will encourage foreign investment by granting foreign capital the same treatment as Brazilian investment, has passed. Additional reforms decreasing local government's share of tax revenues, guaranteing the overhaul of the top-heavy welfare system, and the scrapping of civil servants' jobs-for-life guarantees are to be voted on by the end of the year. All of these are designed to shake the "sleeping giant," and wake him for the new global environment. While many investors perceive the opening as slow, momentum for privatization appears strong. Even though the communications sector privatization, for example, is still three to four years off, hundreds of foreign companies are rushing in to get a piece of the telecommunications action. Industry giants including NEC, Siemens, Alcatel, Ericsson, Northern Telecom, Motorola, Hyundai, Nokia, Oki, and Samsung are expanding their presence in that market. Telebras, Brazil's state telecommunications company, is the world's 11th largest telephone network, owns 27 subsidiaries, and operates 95 percent of Brazil's phone lines. The crown jewel of the privatization program is CVRD (Compania Vale do Rio Doce), Brazil's only efficient state enterprise. The mining giant has 40 subsidiaries that made in 1994 $5.6 billion in revenues. It is the world's biggest iron-ore producer and Latin America's largest gold producer. The company also operates transportation systems, metallurgy and environmental projects with net value around $15 billion. NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
The auction is due next year, and the winner of and will prohibit the appointment of politicians' family memthis giant conglomerate will have mineral rebers to offices in committees. serves for 400 years. The privatization auction The bill will create an wage ceiling of $8,500, the president's has received proposal from such foreign bidders salary, to all government employees. In a recent article in the as Merrill Lynch, Solomon Brothers, Nomura, biweekly economics magazine Exame, Professor Stephen Kanitz Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and from many wrote that "voters give congressmen the power to legislate for a local investment banks. It will be one of the term of four years. During this time legislators are guaranteed largest auctions in the world. employment stability, but not for a life-long period. Voters have In the energy sector, privatization and connot given congressmen the power to legislate for life." Furthercession will be combined to fight inefficiency. more, he notes that "the life-long term created by congressmen Twenty eight distribution companies, 29 hydrocompromises the main spirit of democracy." electric and 23 thermoelectric power plants will The attempts to control inflation, privatize state companies, be sold to private enterprises. The government dismantle state monopolies and re-organize state bureaucracy has already sold two distribution companies: are some of the steps to re-direct the country into the path of one in the state of Rio de Janeiro and the other in prosperity. President Cardoso is committed to lead Brazil into the state of Espirito Santo. The winners of those the 21st century as the leader of the developing democratic two also gained the rights to explore the distrinations. While Brazil still fights its internal bureaucracy, in the bution lines of fiber-optics cable. Opening addieyes of international organizations, the country has come a long tional areas to private investment, Cardoso signed way. • a concession law that allows private companies to build highways, hydroelectric dams, and water and sewer systems. The government's largest hurdle was fought against opposition to the dismantling of the massive state oil monopoly. In comparison to the other sectors, Petrobras is entirely centralized and does not have additional subsidiaries. Founded in 1953, Petrobras has failed to make Brazil self-sufficient in oil despite investments of more than $80 billion. With the amount of investment and its size, the company has the cai489 LIMA pacity to fulfill the nation's 633 BUENOI AIREI needs, however due to ineffi649 MONTEVIDEO ciency, it produces only 50 percent of the fuel the country needs. Earlier this year, $866 SEASON L FROM IA0 PAULO strikes from employees trying to sustain the state mo$571 RIO/IAO PAULO (21 DAYI) nopoly created chaos all over the country. These strikes suc1666 IALVADOR/BRAItLIA cessfully obstructed daily life 666 and forced politicians to realBELO HORIZONTE/RECIFE ize the danger of such a mono666 PORTO ALEGRE lithic enterprise. The new law will allow foreign and private companies to engage in transport, drilling, refining, and distribution of oil, tasks that previously could be solely done by Petrobras. There is also a bill to end the job-for-life guarantee for any government worker. The PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE reform will permit individual states to dismiss employees when its payroll reach 60 percent of total state revenue,
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NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
17
Why Brazilian theater has become in many instances a one-actor show? Several plays being shown in Rio and Sao Paulo don't need more than one protagonist to interpret up to 15 different characters or more. Aren't interpreters willing to share the spotlight or hiring them has become too expensive? DIVYA SHUKLA Perhaps it is a manifestation of an ever-changing Brazilian economy or it is the result of the vanity of self-important actors who don't wish to share the spotlight. Whatever the reason may be, one thing that is certain is that Brazilian theater has changed — there is a new style of theater that combines the multiplicity of characters and the minimization in the number of actors. Claudia Raia. the star of Nas Raias do Loncura (Bordering on Madness), is certain that this new style of theater isn't just a passing fad, it is here to last. The 27-year-old actress plays seven characters in Nas Raias du Loneura and eight characters in the play On Val on Raia (a play with the expression on vol on racha — by hook or by crook — using Raia's name). The newfound success of this genre of theater influenced the Brazilian television network Rede Globo to broadcast On Vai on Rain. In addition to Nas Raias da Loncura, various other plays fit the bill. Cainaleoa (Chameleon), with actress Betty Faria, has nine female characters; Como Encher 18
NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
urn Biquini Selvagem (The Way to Stuff a Wild Bikini) has Claudia Jimenez playing all ten characters; Solteira, Casacla, Vizva e Divorciada (Single, Married, Widowed and Divorced) stars Lilia Cabral in the role of four characters; Tant 'd (Cof a j ,is, play with actress Christina Pereira portraying all nine characters. Tanth has already received a mixed reaction: audiences give it a warm reception while critics give it a lukewarm look. One such critic is director Moacyr Goes who says that this style won't last due to its lack of artistic contribution to the Brazilian theater. Goes believes that this phenomenon resulted from either of two things, the lack of money to finance new projects or the vanity of the actors. Another director, Sergio Britto, agrees with Goes. Britto believes that this new style won't last, it is well received by the public because it is a novelty— it is interesting to watch an actor portray several characters, but in the long-run it is the artistic content which will make it a per-, manent part of the repertoire of Brazilian theater. The criticism hasn't affected Miguel Falabella, the author, director and actor of Louro, Alto, Solteiro,- Procura... (Blond, Tall, Single, Looking...) who also directed the popular play Como Encher um Biquini Selvagem. Falabella admits to enjoy the attention brought by the fact that he is the Falabella on the cover only actor in Louro, Alto, Solteiro, Procura..., but he doesn't think that this is just a novelty. He believes that the multiplicity of characters allows him to display different sides of his own complex personality. Louro, Alto, Solteiro, Procura... is among some of the most successful recent plays to be shown in Rio's playhouse Teatro Casa Grande. The actor of 17 different characters, Falabella's insecurity regarding the success of the play caused him to postpone the opening night twice. Falabella said that he didn't expect Louro, NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
Alto, Solteiro, Procura... to be as successful as it has been. The play opened on April 29th of .1994 and has been showing in theaters ever since. Falabella says that the monologues can'be somewli4t,4iely, and in the event that something does gb wrong there is no other person to share the blame. Fortunately the insecurity is gone and today Falabella is 6ven able to improvise during the performances especially since he feels very intimate with te characters he portrays. Falabella, along with Maria Carmen Barbosa, is already preparing his next masterpiece, A Pequena Martir de Cristo-Rei (The Little Martyr ofCristoRei), which is a play about the visit a grandmother pays to her grandson who has been forced to live in an insane asylum by his own family members who don't want him to partake in the inheritance left by his deceased parents. An avid fan of Louro, Alto, Solteiro, Procura,.. is director Gabriel Villela,, Villela is also a supporter of Falabella ,whom the director describes as one of the talented Brazilian actors who is a descendent to a long history of talented actors such as the great comic Dercy Goncalves. Another fan is Brazilian singer Fafa de Belem, who after having attended three shows promised to bring her parents. According to Belem, it is difficult to show comedy without vulgarity and this is precisely what Falabella has Os atoros brigam pare tater seas farces. 0 UMW** o achieved. raedue e o sucesso e a de Miguel Falabella Mauro Rasi, author of Perola, another play on Rio's states right now, agrees with Belem that Louro is an extremely funny piece. Rasi admits that he isn't easily entertained, but that his favorite "showman", Falabella, succeeded in entertaining and making him laugh. The critics may not advocate this new style of theater, but audiences seem to be attending and enjoyingithese solo performances. The fact that these pla$rs are bringing the Brazilian public back to the theater and out of couches may outweigh the lack of enrichment that this style may contribute to the fascinating world of performance artJ
0 CHARME SECRET° QA LORA MA"
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Adam n Paradise As Ad razilidanEavae' re m an thaeonyaB optingfor, m naked f look a eeling e f guilty blush fir that. Ther a are no more or nudists in cDuntry, but nurr this,i number increasing.
Going nude rassing for man tomedto the practice the buff has became seconcn number of them: has now fans allcwr the COLI itry. There are places for nudist gather s in at lea federation. For them, he.i in the nuck is even an going abii, ith clottes on. Some take their clothes off only hen they' at home :rig tu music fibers come off .t beaches and olonie dozens of people du The nudist :movement organ monit3red by tile FBN (P eracgo Rrasiieira Natur.srno Erazitian Federation of iris, Brazilians have en a spec alized magazine on the subject. It's Aratu-eis, a publication from ,Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul The best known nudist camp in Brazil Praia Jo Pinho,iti eamborik in the southern stat of Salta Catarina It was ihe first peach to b officially sanctioned for nudism in 1987 and today plays host to nudists from allover Brazil as well as foreign countries At Pinhobeach the only clothing allowed is no clothing. The same rippens at Pedras ('atar_na) and Barra Seca ( .S the oth er natutist areas --and here there isroom for those who vvantto bare themselves little by little — are Tarnbaba in the municipality of Conde in Paraiba, 011io e Boi in BIzios (Rio de Janeiro), and Abrico, also n Rio. Them are Stiti three dozen 20
NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
Addresses Federaca'o Brasileira de Naturismo — Caixa Postal 328, Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul 95670000. Phone: (054) 282-1907. It also publishes Naturis Magazine. Difenat — Nücleo Naturista do Distrito Federal Caixa Postal 8868, Brasilia, DF, 70312-970 Associacao Amigos da Praia do Pinho — Caixa Postal 272, Balneario Camboriii, Santa Catarina , 88330-000 Clube Naturista Pedras A ltas — Ave. Atlantica 860, FlorianOpolis, Santa Catarina, 88095-070. Rionat — Caixa Postal 136, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20001-970 Naturista de Sao Paulo — Caixa Postal 65.125, Sa'o Paulo, SP, 01390-970 NUcleo Naturista do Nordeste — Caixa Postal 4.067, Recife, Pernambuco, 51021-970 Congregacao Naturista do Espirito Santo --Caixa Postal 01-0607, VitOria, Espirito Santo, 29001-970 Nikko Paranaense de Naturism° —Caixa Postal 4.934, Curitiba, Parana, 82520-970 Nikko Naturista do Para — Caixa Postal 474, Belem, Para, 66017-970 Rincao Estancia Naturista e Ecologica (0125) 27-1142.
The sites and beaches It's official Pernambuco: Tambaba Espirito Santo: Barra Seca Rio de Janeiro: Olho de Boi, Sitio Solar de Guaratiba Sao Paulo: Sitio lbatipora, Sitio Rincao Parana: Fulano de Tal Santa Catarina: Praia do Pinho, Pedras Altas
It's tolerated North: Para: Ajiruteua Ceara: Canoa Quebrada, Jericoacoara, Cumbuco, Batoque Rio Grande do Norte: Malembar Fernando de Noronha: Americano Paraiba: Tambaba Pernambuco: I lha Amores Bahia: Artistas, Trancoso, Pitinga, Coroa Vermelha, Forte South: Rio de Janeiro: Brava, Virgem, Focas, Macambaba, Parati Mirim, Fig. Trindade, I lha do Pelado. I lha do Ventura, Praia Seca. Adao e Eva, Lagoa Grande, Farolito, Jacone, Sao Paulo: Brava Santa Catarina: Galhetas Rio Grande do Sul: Dunas NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
other beaches in which the practice is tolerated. Among them Brava in Cabo Frio (Rio) and Trancoso in Bahia. Just recently Brasilia, which doesn't have a sea beach, started its own nudist association renting a club for their members' favorite sport. The First District Federal Naturist Encounter brought together 25 adults and children. Until then Brasilienses willing to take it all off in public had to go to other cities. "Now we don't have to travel 1,000 miles to Praia do Pinho, anymore," rejoiced one of the participants in the get-together, an employee at a foreign embassy. How many are the Brazilian naturists? Around 100,000 according to FBN estimates. A very small number for a country famous for its sexual li eration i and veneration for the naked body. Fr nce, which has 1/3 of the Brazil's populati( n and no tropical weather, is home for 10 million naturists. The Federation, however, believes that the number of nudists will soon increase to 1 million thanks to word of mouth of those who are now fans of going on the buff. Says Celso Rossi, founder and president of the FBN, "People are discovering that nudism is a respectable and pleasurable practice, and those who try it for the first time don't want to even think about wearing clothes afterwards". Today Brazilians of all ages and backgrounds practice nudism. Roger Moreira, a guitarist with the Brazilian musical group Ultraje a Rigor and also a nudist even wrote a song exalting the virtues of the practice. Although not a cardcarrying naturist he often frequents many of the nude beaches throughout the country. "I like being nude at the beaches, it's a good alternative to the rat race in sao Paulo," says Moreira. Even though the idea of nudism doesn't appeal to most people, in a nudist setting it's seen as something normal to be done without shame. Said 42-year old Roberto Pimentel Faro, a nudist since 1988, in an interview to the newspaper 0 Estado de S. Paulo: "Nudism is outside of all established social standards, yet we've cultivated an attitude of acceptance with regard to other people's bodies that allows us to coexist without problems." For many nudists, staying dressed is something to do only on cold days. "The only precaution we take is in regards to voyeurs. We always keep our curtains closed," says one nudist who has two daughters. For another couple whom we'll call Francisco and Ana, there's no hesitation at taki g their clothes off, especially on hot days. But when company comes it's strictly dress up ti e. Howev r there have been times when they've been caug t off guard. Says Francisco laughingly, "M mother-in-law showed up once and 21
I was dressed in just a T-shirt." Marilia, her husband Marcos and their two adolescent daughters have been practicing nudism since 1990 when they started to frequent Praia do Pinho. At home, the couple and their daughters don't see any reason to hide their bodies from one another or their friends. "We are so accustomed to it it's as if we had our clothes on," says Marcos. Adds Marilia, "we take our clothes off when it gets hot, but in the winter when it's cold we wear them because they protect us." Marcos professes that the practice has changed his outlook on life: "I was a very tense and uptight person before and would fly off the handle at the slightest thing," he says, but the change in him was so radical that everyone wanted to know what his secret was. Finally after coming in to work extremely relaxed two weeks straight one of his co-workers insisted he divulge his secret. When he told her the truth she was shocked, he says. "But afterwards she accepted it," he added. Even Paulistas who are better k nown for their work ethics and little play are joining in the fun. Sao Paulo offers at least three places where naturists can congregate. One is the Rincao Estancia Naturista e Ecologica in the city of Guaratingueta. Inaugurated in August of 1993, it sits on an old fazenda some 4221 Wilshire BI. #391 - Los Angeles, CA 90010 220 kilometers away from Sao (213) 525-3300 - Fax (213) 525-1584 Paulo with space enough to accommodate 150 people and room for camping as well. The group that frequents this club is RIO/SAO PAULO $606 fairly large and the parties and reunions held by them are usuASUNCION $690 ally memorable. LIMA $627 Recalls one member, "Once our group planned a visit to SANTIAGO $825 Parati in the south of the state BUENOS AIRES $665 of Rio, everything went well ECUADOR $549 but we all noticed one small detail, no one brought a bathNEW YORK $278 ing suit," he says. "I think the LONDON $499 locals thought we were all from the countryside," he added, "but PARIS $545 we didn't need them," he said MADRID $555 laughingly. LISBON $650 Not everyone is welcome here, however. Says Alexandre PUERTO RICO $402 a delegate to the Brazilian Federation of Naturism and owner "CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS APPLY!" of the Rincao: "UnaccompaRepresenting: VASP, VARIG, AMERICAN, nied single men aren't allowed LADECO, LAN CHILE, LACSA, in." At another site called AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS, AERO PERU lbatipora in the region of AND UNITED AIRLINES. Sorocaba, Eduardo Prado plays host to nudists from all over. At Valley Office (818) 785-8844 69 years old, and a practicing Orange County (714) 520-4535 nudist for 50 of those years, he says, "We don't have parties San Diego (619) 685-4080 and other activities like the San Francisco (415) 292-1930 Rifled°, people who come here come to relax." • Aem11111111r...e.
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NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
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Despite lukewarm reviews by the Brazilian critics, 0 Qzt4trilho — Um Jogo de Fascinio e Seducclo (0 Qu4trilho — A Game of Fascination and Seduction) has been delighting film audiences in Brazil since its release earlier this year. In just one month and a half, during a limited engagement in Rio Grande do Sul, in September and October, it brought in 380,000 spectators. An exceptional number when you consider that the big hit of the year, Carlota Joaquinct, wasn't seen by more than 1 million people, all over the country, since its release at the beginning of the year. With a budget of $1.8 million —high fora Brazilian movie — the film is expected to help re-start the announced renaissance of the Brazilian movie industry. Directed by Fabio Barreto, produced by Lucy and Luiz Carlos Barreto from the novel by Jose Clemente Pozenato, 0 Qii-Pritho is a slice of life that goes back to the early 1900's when a small group of Italian immigrants in the southernmost part of the country were adapting themselves to their new land and their new passions. It is based on a true story of two couples who faced the anger of their community and their church after having lived together and swapped partners. Looking for a place of their own, Teresa (Patricia Pillar) and Angelo (Alexandre Paternost), a just-married couple, decide to share a house and a little farm with another couple: Massimo (Bruno Campos) and Pierina (Gloria Pires). 24
Little by little, Massimo seduces beautiful Teresa, who is bored with her marriage. They run away. Pierina and Angelo, the betrayed ones, end up falling in love while they continue living in the same house. Now they have to face the ire of the conservative society of Rio Grande do Sul in the 20s and 30s. The cast, which includes also Gianfrancesco Guarnieri, Cecil Third, Claudio Mamberti, Jose Lewgoy, and Antonio Carlos Pires, brings a realistic portrayal of this passionate love story that knew no bounds. The adventure of these immigrants is a heartwarming tale laced with courage and determination, all the while fighting prejudice and oppression to reach their final goal of love and happiness. Ou4trilho is the name of a card game played in Brazil which requires its players to betray their partners in order to win. The film follows this formula to the delight of the audiences as it plays out the story. That the movie was directed by a Barreto and produced by another Barreto only serves to prove that the Barretos became the Royal Family of Film from Brazil. Luiz Carlos Barreto, Fabios's father, was born in Sobral, state of Ceara in 1928 and went to Rio in 1947 as a photographer and reporter for OCru:eiro, the leading Brazilian magazine at that time. He married Lucy Barreto in 1954. Luiz Carlos began making movies in 1961 as script co-author and co-producer of Assalto NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
ao Trem Pagador (The Pay-Train Robbery) a film by Roberto Farias which was very successful. The elder Barreto is considered the father of the Cinema Novo movement. He's been associated in a way or another with the best Brazilian filmmakers, including Nelson Pereira dos Santos (Barretos was producer and photography director for Vidas Secas — Barren Lives), Glauber Rocha (he photographed Terra em Transe — Land in Trance), and Caca Diegues (Luiz Carlos produced A Grande Cidade - The Big City). In the 70s, Barreto father produced some of the best Brazilian films of all times, including champion box office hit Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos (Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands), directed by his son Bruno. He also gave the first opportunity to beginning directors such as Eduardo Escorel (Lictio de Amor — Love Lesson), and his two sons, Bruno and Fabio. Through co-production, he has also helped many financially strapped directors conclude their films. Great performers who have worked in the Barreto family's productions make an amazing list. S6nia Braga is at the top. Braga began her career on the stage, was successful in television, and her entry into film was most auspicious with Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands. She went on to become an international star making many films in the United States where she is now working. Other Brazilian screen notables working in the Barretos' productions were Jose Wilker, Betty Faria, Fernando Torres, Claudia Ohana, Grande Otelo, Carlos Vereza, Nuno Leal Maia, Gloria Pires (she has a starring role in 0 Qu4trilho), Regina Duarte, and Dina Sfat. Lucy is co-producer with her husband. Also involved in filmmaking is her mother Lucio la Villela. Bruno Barreto is now making films in the United States. Bruno's younger brother, Fabio Barreto, before 0 Qu4trilho, had directed India, a Filha do Sol (India, the Sun's Daughter) and 0 Rei do Rio (The King of Rio). At a recent Brazilian Producers Conference, which was held at the 1995 Toronto International Film Festival, the Barretos announced a new project. It's 0 Que E Isso Companheiro?(What's This, Comrade?) to be directed by Bruno Barreto, produced by Luiz Carlos Barreto and Lucy Barreto in a co-production with Sony Corporation/ Columbia Pictures. Based on a book by Fernando Gabeira, it tells the story of the kidnapping of an American Ambassador by a group of college students during the military dictatorship in Brazil in 1968. The screenplay is by Leopoldo Serran (the same who wrote 0 Qu4trilho), the photography by Felix Ponti. Shooting should start in January in Rio. The American premiere screening of 0 Qu4trilho at the Los Angeles A.F.I. (American Film Institute) Film Fest 1995 was made possible by the not-for-profit Americas Film-Festival Foundation (AFFF). The foundation was established in 1986 by Glaucia Baena Soares, a professional in the fields of social communications and advertising, who wanted to see more films from her native Brazil on North American screens. Since its inception at the American Film Institute in Washington's Kennedy Center in the fall of 1987, the AFFF has presented in annual festivals more than 200 fiction features, documentaries, short films, videos and seminars from Spanish and Portuguese language countries to audiences throughout the western hemisphere. • NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
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She used to lie like hell. She would swear she was a virgin, she wanted to die single, there was an ex-fiance was a smuggler and stalked her w gun in his pocket, she would invit fora date and wouldn't show uo, or no reason, would pl !would set a d for our weddi en she wo announce she w a nv, he would chang e, calling. Paulo, me who alwa as Andre...somOtimes she would show up wearing the golden brooch, and sh earl necklace bought with w y fo she was joble ARCOS REV --Assitti quo me despedi de GlOria fiz meia VOI meta, esta prerneditada e cautelosa. e sal em sua persaguicao. Eu — tavadeSeonflado, tao desconfiado que os transeuntes que vinham sentido contrario me olhavam espantados. Que cara Cu devia ,r! Mas aculpa era dela, mentia demais. ora afirmavaque morava aim uma tia, ora corn a madrasta, que trabalhava no escritorio urn despachante, contradizia-se dizendo que procuraaa emprego, urava ser virgem, queria morrer solteira, havia um ex-noivo contrabandista que andava 0 sua espreita corn revolvar no bolso, marca,vaencontros eomigo e nao comparecia, chorava r or qualquer coisa, implorava que eu marcasse a data do easamento, depois anunciava sua entr num convento, fizera curso de manequim, havia urn senhor ho des que a desejava como amante, um patrao se apaixonara p ocava meu nome. chamando-rae Paulo, eu que sempre fui cleclarava descender de austriazos quando nao deseendia, As va s aparecia corn vestidos caros, urn broche de our°, e tinha urn colar de perolas comprado corn q le dinheiro ' se estava desempregada? Muitas vezes saia corn Gloria e ela ' falava pelos cotovelos, outras permanecia muda, arneaaava. 1 suieidio, ehorava de saudade da infancia, recitava versos de J. G [ - Aratjo Jorge quando a nolte era de ma, m as gostav a mesmo era da Aasanha. fingia-se de tubereulosa e falsificav a uma tos;c irritante. o sobre cancer, queria tnorar no Rio e confessava aos Os que estivera apaixonadapor urn cirurgiao baia ao. A Unica dade de Gloria talvez fosse a sua beleza, trombeteada pelos s seios altos. rijos e esfericos. Comecei a deseonfiar de tudo em certa tarde. nas primeiras semanas de narnoro, quando_ via Gloria passar dirigindo urn Anstlif:E0 la atravessar aAvenida c o carro quase atrapelou-me. louaa, GlOrial", mas a doida nem olhou para tras. 'n'tfla eu me ea 1,11 rsq ' NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
Puxa! Raja voce ia me matand Eu... niatando voce? — Corn aquale rnaldito Austin! °rale o Gloria fez earn de palerma: Que Austin? Voce nth:a guiava urn Austin ho,j,-.9 A clnicagar,,-Talhou: Mas eu nap sei guiar, Andre. Nem set nor um earn movitrientol •Era de enlouquacer en atinha visto realnaerrte, dirigiu vestido verde que sempre usava, o eterno pentendo tipo Torte e Babel, arregalara os olhos ao ver-me... Gloria, rind° diabolicamente, reafirmava que nao guiava, jamais pusera,as maos nutria direcao, en precisava ruudar as !antes dos Oetdos nu' entao bebera, isso, o mats provavel, bebera. Esse easo de Austin abriu as cortinas do drama. Roof invastigar. saber direito, afinal. quern GlOria era, o que fazi corn quern vivia, vi-gem on prostituta, se sabia dirigir On se zx enganara, que idade tinha corn certeza e, sobrendo talvez para print:11)1as onde ia todas as tardeS. Ai esta porque fiz meia volta e de?ols: mais ineia. Precisava sea,ui-la, mm ser pressentido, ver <lade entrava ou,com quern se encontraria. Fui Mils dela separado;por LOIS trinta metros, Vende o sett vestido' verde. Quando parou_diante duma loja, parei tarn Dem. Escondime na entrada dum einema. Vi GlOria dar esmola um-ntendigo," depois contprou'uma revista de radio, num satial - Siga-nao gala. parecia ihclinada a voltar, cantlatiou andand egantemente e, àfinal, entrou nurna easa. Parei na mestna porta. Era urn sobrado tnuito delho amarel corn amplas janeta.s abertas. Atravessei a rua e fiquei rut etutr calcada A espera de que GlOria saisse, esperaterrivel porque se demorou floras path reaparecer. As sate, ern eina da hora do eneontro marcado eornigo, deixou o casarao correndo. Tive de apanhar um taxi_ paralchegar antes que ala 0 noasa esquina de sempre. DezmirtutoS depois avi aproximar-ae ernPaSSOS lento e descuidadosaMudara de marcha ao eiqu* Maea na inao. ' — Quer? Onde esteVel — Fui comprar a maca. Quer? Mas voce nao veio de sua casa.. —Ab, baneatde o detetive.,. Eu vod embora ameacou. Eu sabia que ea viera do casarao =arab), onda se demorara cerca de tres horas. Seria fOcil desmoralizar a suarnentira. Mas tinha medo de perder Glorinha sem lima prova provada de que nao procedia barn Fomos jantar juntos e mostrei-me alegre. A noite, am_ mau hate]. pensei intensamente no Austin e no sarao amarelo„Acordel corn a boca e os labios secos: febre. Na mesnia samana pude vet novamente GlOria entrar ac ' sarao arnarelo. 0 que era o casarao? urn escritorio, u asaci ou um border Sada Gloria urna prosti twat? "Alguem j4. nt; dissera qua Sao Paulo A0 para I ostituicao vaspe " rtina, disereta flada. Os Senile urgueses mad saberh disso. On sa ei Id! F61 nesse di ue "baler' umajdaia einica e ridict -dmica e grossei enial a daseSperada(Diante do casarao,-- outrc lado dart havia um predio devailos andares,tambem mu i to velho.Daque predio eu podaria ver o que se passava dentro do casar Calculei qua a'. visto,seria otima do, segundo Isiele seviaumaplacaanferrujada: "Biancamano esobritt alfaiate". Ensaiti entrar nopredio,mas a corage-npifou. imbecilidadet V olteil ao hotel. Durante anoita, aposunstragos. aidAiadavisitaOatfaiatai amadureceu.Fruto-vorde a mirrado, cresceu amarefo e saboros. Grande ideia, aim.. Ivlinha idaA alfaiataria poderia 4er a soluCa de tudo. Da janela en 'yam ointerior do casarao e tainhaGldiia Jo: ?laces de outro.,.' Entao, livrando-me da obsess4o, diria:' set quern voce e. . Vatnos ao tneu apartamento par fun a esta comedia". No diaseguink, lOgo que Gloria entrou no easarao amare corn os oculoSpretos que COM Os pressas numaoptica, ent no predio. Ao pisar as escaPdrei as, senti urn frio tarrivel, mas prossegui. La estava eu diante duma port corn uma laca• "Biancarnano e sobrinho alfaiate". Born dia., cavalheiro! Era urn jovem, em mangas cumpritnentava. — Born dia— respondi, qttase sem olha-lo. AL, IA a. janela e preeisava aproxirnar-me dela. — Aqui A "Biancamano 29
espiar o casarao. Vi corn nitidez um par de pernas cruzadas. Pernas femininas. Mas nao me pareceram de Gloria. — E razoavel esta fazenda— disse para romper o silenc,io. — E de fato muito boa. — Tern mais clara urn pouco? Veio nova peca nas maos do rapaz. Ele nao escondia sua impaciencia: — Esta lhe caird bem. -- 0 senhor me desculpe... Sou muito exigente... — 0 senhor tern razao. Ha muitas fazendas pessimas por al. Algumas corn o rOtulo de estrangeiras — confidenciou. Perguntei o prep do metro dafazenda. Quanto teria de dar de entrada? Qual o preco do feitio? Tinha algo mais a perguntar? Tinha: se a fazenda já era molhada. — Hoje estou corn um pouco de pressa — lamentei. — Nao posso escolher a fazenda corn calma. Amanha eu volto. e sobrinho-? — Que necessrdade havia Tive de sair, lembrando-me de que naquele dessa pergunta? ano eu já fizera uma roupa de verao e outra de --- As suas ordens. inverno. Seria uma extravagancia encomendar — 0 senhor é o sobrinho — tentei mais uma. E o pior lembrei depois: ia chegar tarde adivinhar infantilmente. na agencia de publicidade onde trabalhava, ciente — Sou o sobrinho. de que diversas campanhas no marco zero me Eu me via na contingencia de ser esperavam. mais positivo. Afinal o que urn homem No dia seguinte fui diretamente a agenc ia. Vi vai fazer numa alfaiataria, se nao minha mesa coberta dos malditos envelopes fiscal nem qualquer coisa do genero? gigantes que os contatos haviam colocado sobre — Precisava ver umas fazendas... ela. Dentro de dois, encontrei recados mais ou 0 risonho sobrinho do Sr. Bianca- menos nestes termos: "Andre, ponha o assento na mano, apanhando-me pelo braco, levou- cadeira e term ine logo esses textos". Meu impulso me a uma saleta onde estavam as foi o de fazer todas as campanhas em tempo fazendas. Era o enorme estoque da recorde, pretextar uma dor de cabeca e voltar ao alfaiataria, mas eu nao prestava atencao meu posto de observacao. Mas nao era possivel. nas peps, aflito porque me conduziam Como se pode fazer correndo uma campanha sobre para longe da janela. implementos agricolas ou tornos quando ha tantos — Que prefere? Casimira ou tropi- detalhes a estudar? Resultado: nao pude it ao cal? Temos tambern fazendas estran- alfaiate e nab conclui nenhuma campanha. Os geiras... Corn certeza quer urn tropical: envelopes gigantes se acumulavam sobre a minha vejo que sua muito corn o calor. escrivaninha e nada de eu passa-los ao Trafego da Nao fazia muito calor, mas eu estava agencia. Urn emprego daqueles, apesar de cacete, suado: emocao. nao podia perder. Entrei desesperado na sala do — 0 que me diz desta? diretor: Apanhei uma peca da fazenda, nao — Seu Galvao... me lembro de que cor. Como nada 0 diretor notou logo algo estranho em mim. comentasse, Biancamano sobrinho — 0 que ha, Andre? mostrou-me outras peps, numa cres— Vim do medico. Estou me sentindo mal. cente expectativa. Doente de verdade. — Aqui esta escuro. — Va para casa e descanse... —Acendo a luz—disse acendendo --Urn dia ndo basta, o medico me recomendou um jogo poderoso de luzes. repouso absoluto. Meu coracao nao esta Pensei depressa: funcionando bem. Perigo dum enfarte. — A luz artificial as vezes engana. — Na sua idade? Vou lhe dar urn cartao, vá ao — Mas de que cor o senhor quer? meu medico. — Ha alguma janela por aqui? Recusei o cartdo: Ele me levou paraperto duma janela — Pode ndo haver perigo, mas o fato e que interna. Piz na peca urn exame rapid° e estou doente. — Alterei a voz: Muito doente, desatento. em pessimo estado. — Nao é urn belo padrao? — 0 que voce quer? — A luz aqui nao 6 muito boa... — Ferias. — Atrevidamente, apanhei a peca e — Duas ferias neste ano? atravessei o estabelecimento, rumo a — Por favor, seu Galvdo, me de ferias. Nao janela da rua. Finalmente a alcancei. La gozarei as do pr6ximo ano, certo? estava o casarao amarelo, enorme, corn Tiveram de arranjar as pressas urn redator suas janelas abertas, quase ao alcance substituto e-assim me livrei do trabalho durante de minha mao. Esbocei urn sorriso de vinte dias uteis. Quinze dias ateis, pois no sabado alegria que foi logo erroneamente inter- GlOria nao freqiientava o tal casarao amarelo. pretado. Voltei corn mais sossego a firma "Biancamano — Gostou deste, entao? e sobrinho-. Desta vez, fui logo para a janela e — E muito movimentada esta rua? pedi ao rapaz que fosse me trazendo as pecas. Uma — perguntei, aereo. das janelas do casardo estava fechada. Vi uma — Mais ou menos. velha passar corn qualquer coisa nas maos que me Fui forcado a examinar a fazenda. pareceu Arm bolo. Urn menino brincava no chat). Ndo gostei. Pedi que me trouxesse outra — ia escolheu? — perguntou o moco. peca. Depois, mais outra. Quando o — Nao! — berrei. moco se afastava, eu tinha tempo para Biancamano sobrinho afastou-se, ere.° que 30
irritado. Em seguida, o proprio Biancamano aparecia para atender-me, velhote simpatico, tipo Gepeto, de cabelos grisalhos, porem desconfiado em relacao a minha pessoa. — 0 senhor esta indeciso... — observou. — Eu o ajudo: Vamos ver essas pecas. Nao gosta da Aurora? Este Maracana é especial, o padrdo mais procurado. GlOria! Vi GlOria pela primeira vez cruzar a sala do casardo, corn os bracos abertos, como se fosse abracar alguem. Debrucei-me na janela num salto. — Urn helicoptero! — bradei ao velho. — 0 que? — Passou urn helicoptero. 0 velho me olhou dum jeito esquisito. Atras dele, o sobrinho, a alguma distancia, me observava, irritado. Voltei a examinar as fazendas. — Que marca e essa? — perguntei, apontando o dedo para qualquer uma. — Qual? — Quero urn tropical brilhante. — Este é tropical brilhante. — Mas nao é ingles, ve-se. — Claro que e ingles. Trazia o dinheiro das ferias no bolso. Resolvi, enfim, fazer um terno, nao de fazenda estrangeira, mas da nacional, e das mais baratas, isso ja no fim da tarde. Ha tres horas e meia que eu me plantei diante da janela. 0 Sr. Biancamano comecou a tirar as medidas. Havia uma sala especial para isso. Ao ver a sala, protestei: — Aqui nao fico. — Pot que? — Sofro de claustrofobia. Vamos para a janela. 0 velho era rapido demais na tarefa de tirar medidas ou o tempo voava enquanto eu fixava o casardo amarelo. Em dois minutos, tudo anotado. Deilhe o dinheiro da entrada. Muito caros os ternos do Sr. Biancamano. — 0 senhor esta livre — disse ele. Mas eu ndo queria ir embora! Ia gastar cingdenta mil cruzeiros, para ser posto fora da alfaiataria, do meu querido posto de observacao? — Nao e melhor tirar as medidas novamente? - Nunca erro. — Ninguem é infalivel. — Seu corpo 6 normal. Se fosse urn Chico Ma... Eu me recusava a sair de la. Já vira a velha outra vez. A crianca corria pela sala. Alguem ligara o radio. Claro que nao podia ir embora! Olhando pela janela, perguntei ao alfaiate: — 0 senhor tern saudades da Italia? —Nunca estive la, sou apenas filho de italianos. —De que provincia eram seus pais, Sr. Biancamano? Sabe que em Piza ha uma torre torta? Ja leu a autobiografia de Raquel Mussolini? Ja leu Malaparte, Sr. Biancamano? 0 senhor corn certeza gosta de talharine, nao é verdade? Qual é a melhor cantina que existe em Sao Paulo? Já sonhou corn Gina Lolobrigida inteiramente nua, trabalhando na cozinha? Acha que o comunismo dominard a peninsula, velho Gepeto? Como é o nome de sua excelentissima esposa? NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
Queria travar amizade corn ele, tornar-me seu intimo, negociar a compra daquela janela no credidrio, mas ele era homem muito ocupado. Alem disso, por azar, maos crudis fecharam as janelas do casardo. Voltei a alfaiataria no dia seguinte. — A prova ndo esta pronta — informou-me o acre sobrinho do Sr. Biancamano, que já devia odiar-me. — Ndo faz mal, eu estava s6 passando por aqui... Como é que vai o senhor seu tio?'— Dirigi-me A janela. Pedi a urn aprendiz que me fosse buscar urn café. Fiquei uma hora e meia diante da janela, ignorando o interior da alfaiataria. Se me perguntavam coisas, nao respondia. As seis, urn Austin parou diante do casardo amarelo e dele desceu um homem corn cara de chave-inglesa. Nao era o Austin que vira GlOria dirigir? — Vamos fechar — disse-me o nervoso sobrinho de Biancamano. Tiye de retirar-me, corn cara feia. Era sexta e s6 na segunda poderia voltar ao meu posto de observacdo. Na semana seguinte, ao entrar na alfaiataria, o pr6prio Biancamano me deu uma noticia terrivelmente desagradavel. — A primeira prova, senhor. — escandalizei-me. — — Mas o senhor ndo esta corn pressa? Quern lhe disse que estou corn pressa? — 0 senhor tern passado a tarde toda aqui... —0 senhor se engana, meu amigo, ndo tenho pressa alguma. 0 que eu quero é um servico bem feito. — Mas a prova esta pronta. Choveu muito aquela tarde e as janelas do casardo ndo se abriram. Na terca so uma janela abriu. Nesses dois dias, eu via o dono da alfaiataria trabalhando em minha roupa. Urn ajudante costurava uma manga. Tentei distrair o rapaz corn uma conversa sobre futebol para que se atrasasse. Quando ele terminou a manga, chamei o Sr. Biancamano em particular e lhe disse que o ajudante "matara" o servico. Que fizesse a manga de novo. Na quarta, a segunda prova ficou pronta. Notei que queriam terminar a minha roupa o mais depressa possivel. Entdo passel a 'conversar corn o Sr. Biancamano e o ajudante, visando impedir que corressem tanto. Contei, inclusive, o que nunca fiz, uma serie de anedotas pornograficas. Na quinta vi de novo o Austin parar diante do casardo. Que ligacdo o dono do carro teria corn Gloria? Meu Deus, era ela quern surgia a janela e sorria para o homem de cara de chave-inglesa. — Pode vestir. 0 Sr. Biancamano tinha as calcas e o paleto nas mdos. — Hoje? — Esta pronto. VA ao vestiario. — Sofro de claustrofobia, já disse. Me visto aqui mesmo. Diante da janela, vesti o terno novo, sempre a olhar para fora. Urn dos ajudantes foi postar-se ao meu lado, como se quisesse descobrir o que eu espiava. Desajeitado, abotoei as calcas. Gloria ndo estava mais na janela. NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
Corn dor no coracao, paguei o feitio do terno e tive de me despedir do velho Gepeto. Mas na sexta eu voltava corn uma reclamacdo: o terno ndo caia bem. Queria uma reforma. 0 alfaiate obrigoume a ficar uma hora diante do espelho para provar que me enganara. — 0 corte esta 6timo. — Ndo dá para encompridar as calcas? — Para pisar nelas? — As mangas estao curtas. — Ndo estdo. — Veja que estdo. 0 Sr. Biancamano fechou a cara: — Nunca tivemos urn fregues como o senh Já nos aborreceu demais por causa deste terni ho. Recuso-me a reforma-lo. Fui tdo descarado que ainda segui at' a extremidade da sala para dar uma Oltima olh da pela janela. Depois, sal, pisando firme, irrit o, sem despedir-me. Na porta, gritei: — Carcamanos ladrOes! Sofri uma crise de nervos no hotel ao ter pl na consciencia de que perdera meu posto de observacao. 0 que eu descobrira naqueles oito dias? Praticamente nada: que um homem, dono dum Austin, frequentava o casardo amarelo. Mas ue relacdo havia entre ele e a minha adorada GI na de peitos redondos? Voltei a percorrer as redondezas do casar o. Corn saudade via a placa -Biancamano e sobri ho — alfaiate". Mas tive felizmente outra iddia: -ao lado da alfaiataria havia uma janelinha corn u a velhatabuleta: "Pensdo Estrela—comida easel " A pensdo, porem, ndo servia refeicOes depois as duas horas. Teria de freqUenta-la por outras raz S. Numa tarde, aparentemente tranquil°, subn as escadas da -Pensdo Estrela". Um cheiro de com da azeda era a sua marca registrada, o cheiro que teria de suportar muitas vezes ainda. Uma velhinha, embrulhada num xale, recolhia pratos e talheres de pequenas mesas. Um rapaz manco varria. Segui delicadamente para a janela. La estava o casardo amarelo. Era como se eu tivesse sentado no cinema numa das filas laterals. A visao, inferior A da alfaiataria, mas tambem boa. VI pessoas se movimentarem; Gloria estaria entre elas, porem ndo a distinguia. Debrucei-me no peitoril. — 0 que o senhor quer? Voltei-me e vi a velhinha. Devo te-la fuzilado corn o olhar, pois a coitada assustou-se. Meu primeiro impulso foi o de contar-lhe tudo. Talvez pudesse compreender. Tratei de ganhar tempo .. — A senhora... — Sou a dona da pensdo. — Ainda servem refeicOes? — Eu planej a puxar uma das mesas para perto da janela. A velhinha me olhou como se estivesse diante dum imbecil. Ndo percebia que ja limpavam as mesas? — As duas fechamos a cozinha. 0 senhor chegou tarde. Tarde? Chegara na hora. Olhei novamerite pela janela. Vi claramente Gloria brincando cm a crianca. Seria seu filho? Quern sabe tinha urn filho, sem que a familia soubesse, e estava cuidando dele naquela casa? Hip6tese viavel. — Ndo vim para corner — disse. —0 que? — Como em restaurantes, de preferenclia franceses. A comida daqui é limpa? Quantas calorias a senhora pine a mesa? — Pensei ern fazerme de fiscal, mas tive pena de assustar a velhinha. A pobre empalideceu: a cozinha ndo devia sr limpa. — Somos ate muito... — Olhou ao red r, procurando auxilio. E o auxin() veio: o marido 4la velhinha, magrela, de cabelos ralos, pele mui o branca, olhinhos vivos. — Ndo sou fiscal — fui dizendo.Os dois se entreolharam. Ele, mais corajoso,
falou: — Já vieram diversos fiscais aqui, nunca encontraram nada errado. Estamos estabelecidos ha muitos anos. Pus-lhe a mdo no ombro, querendo ser simpatico. — Ja disse que nao sou fiscal. — 0 senhor trabalha em? — Imoveis. A minha é a Imobiliaria Sdo Lucas. Estamos muito interessados neste conjunto. 0 casal foi atingido por um raio. — 0 senhor quer comprar? Ndo somos os donos. — Sei disso. — Estamos aqui ha vinte anos. — Vinte e dois — ela corrigiu como se fosse esse urn grande argumento. -- Vim para ver se o conjunto é de nosso agrado — disse, encostando-me janela. GlOria ainda brincava corn a crianca sob urn feixe de luz do sol. —0 predio, sem cluvida é born. Uma rua muito central. Conducdo farta. Acho que vamos fazer uma oferta ao dono... — Quer dizer que teremos de sair? A paixdo me tornava cinico e mau: — Se comprarmos, ndo havera outro remedio, minha senhora... — Ja falaram corn o proprietario? quis saber o velhinIno, aflito. — Ainda ndo. A conversa, pausada, me favorecia. Agora GlOria brincava corn o menino no 'Angulo da outra janela. Estava bonita num vestido azul. 0 garoto dava gritos. — Se o senhor comprar, quanto tempo teremos para... — Corn urn born advogado voces se agiientam seis meses. — Advogado? NOs? Impossivel. A velhinha segurou-me o braco. As mulheres sempre entregam os pontos antes: — Meu senhor, esta pensdo ndo cid nada. Ninguem gosta de subir dois andares para comer. Se vamos vivendo é porque o aluguel é antigo. Saindo daqui, ndo poderemos abrir pensdo noutro lugar. Era urn drama, eu reconhecia. Senhores deputados: nunca revoguem a lei do inquilinato. Protejam os alugudis antigos, principalmente os velhinhos que pagam alugueinn antigos. Era urn drama, sim, mas eu tambem tinha o meu drama. — Gosto deste ti echo da cidade —
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disse. — 0 ar aqui é excelente. Dizem que faz bem aos pulmOes. Os velhinhos nunca tinham ouvido dizer isso. Ar excelente o duma rua central, intoxicado pela fumaca de cem mil 6nibus? Era uma novidade de estarrecer. — A Imobilidria pretende comprar para que? — Temos um cliente em vista ; Urn iogue. Sabem o que é urn iogue? E urn hindu que pretende dar aulas nao sei de que. E urn homem muito famoso, amigo intim° de Kennedy e de sua elegante esposa. Fiquei corn nojo de mim mesmo ao contemplar o casal de velhinhos ameacados de despejo. Nunca mais teriam sua e sem ela estariam condenados. Nao possuiam filhos nem parentes. Tragic°. Ah, o Austin parava na porta do casarao. — 0 senhor vai fazer uma pessima compra — disse o velho. Como dar atencao aquele idiota? Precisava ver quem dirigia o Austin. Creio que se tratava do homem de cara de chave-inglesa. Aqui hd ratos — balbuciou a velha. — Ratos enormes. — 0 hindu tern uma colecao de ratoeiras que ganhou dum marajd Foi a vez do marido. —0 predio estd caindo aos pedacos. Por que a Imobilidria nao compra urn conjunto novo? — Acho que esse me convem — respondi. — Agrada-me o panorama e o hindu tambem vai gostar. 0 velhinho espiou pela janela: — Que panorama? A velhinha ajuntou-se a ele: — Daqui se se veem predios velhos. 0 panorama, de fato, era horrivel. — Para muitos — expliquei — o feio é o belo. — 0 senhor disse? — 0 feio é o belo — gritei. Para disfarcar um pouco minha intencdo, passei pela sala. 0 conjunto era pouco major que o do alfaiate, mas parecia ainda maior porque nao possuia divisOes. Andei duma extremidade outra, medindo os passos. Quantos metros de largura e quantos de comprimento? Olhei o teto. — Tern boa altura. — Isso tern, mas é tao feio! Nao
entendo como o senhor pode gostar. — Estou apaixonado pelo conjunto — confessei. E havia mesmo a marca da paixdo em mim. Enquanto andava, os velhinhos me seguiam. HA anos temiam que surgisse um comprador para o conjunto, o que representaria o fim deles. Ao voltar a janela, o Austin engatava a primeira. Nao pude ver se GlOria ia nele. — Voltarei amanhd — despedi-me. Na tarde seguinte. entrei na "Pensdo Estrela" e me coloquei diante da janela. Trazia uma novidade: urn binOculo. Apenas uma das janelas do casardo amarelo estava entreaberta. Ndo dava para ver nada. — Ah, é o senhor? Era o dono da pensdo. — Aprecio o panorama. — Quer ver como esta a cozinha? 0 encanamento estourou. 0 que eu tinha corn isso? — Ndo sou encanador, meu amigo. — 0 encanamento do predio esta podre. 0 senhor tera de se aborrecer muito para... — Isso nao e comigo, e corn o hindu. A velhinha entrou em cena: devia ter envelhecido mais uns cinco anos naquela noite. Tentou sorrir para subornar-me. — Quer bolinhos? — perguntou. Eu nao almocara. Hd dias que nao almocava direito. Aceitei os bolinhos, que vieram num pires. Preguei os olhos no casardo amarelo, tdo grande e misterioso. 0 dono do estabelecimento avizinhou-se corn ar sutil: — Ha muitos conjuntos melhores nesta rua... Corn o binOculo eu via algo mover-se dentro do casardo amarelo. — Quern mora nessa casa? — perguntei. — Nao sabemos, ndo nos damos corn vizinhos. Mais uma esperanca que eu perdia. Tive Odio do velho e davelha. Todos os velhos se interessam pela vida dos vizinhos, menos eles. — Quer mais bolinhos? A velha lutava para conquistar m inha simpatia. Arrastou-me para a cozinha e mostroume a pia toda quebrada, os ladrilhos soltos, as portas sem trinco. Como eu entregaria ao hindu o conjunto naquelas condicoes? Eu já pensara no custo da reforma? — A senhora nao conhece os hindus. Eles ndo ligam para essas coisas... Vern de urn pais ainda mais pobre do que o nosso. Masse acalme, a compra ainda ndo foi feita. Estou apenas observando, amanha eu volto. No outro dia fui encontrar os velhos corn uma folha de papel escrita a lapis. Eram enderecos de conjuntos daquela e de ruas prOximas que poderiam interessar a Imobiliaria. Todos muitos bons, bem conservados. Urn deles apresentava uma vantagem: ndo tinha inquilinos. 0 pr6prio dono da pensdo se incumbira de organizar a lista, percorrendo o bairro corn sua velhice e seu reumatismo. —Minha imobiliaria tern metodos diferentes de trabalho — expliquei. — Nao interessa a ela o conjunto em si, entenderam?, e sim a visa° exterior, o que se descortina da janela. Os velhinhos ndo entendiam isso: — Esse predio mais cedo ou mais tarde sera derrubado... — Que derrubem. 0 problema 6 do hindu. Al assisti a uma cena tocante: a velhinha atirou-se no meu ombro e comecou a chorar. Suas ldgrimas me molhavam a roupa. Disse que o marido passara a noite em claro. Se tivessem de abandonar o predio, seria preferivel a morte. — Ndo compre, senhor — ela implorou. — Por favor, nao chore assim.
— Somos velhinhos, ndo ve? Abracei a velhinha. Eu tambem tive !tide, avid e tias velhas. Ndo podia torturar mais aquela gente. Acaricieilhe os cabelos brancos, enxuguei-lhe as ldgrimas corn meu lenco. — Estd certo, nAo compro. — Muito obrigado, meu filho — ela agradeceu, tao feliz. 0 marido ouvira o fim do dialog° e estava radiante. — Apenas queria que me deixassem apreciar urn pouco mais o panorama. Sou pintor nas horas vagas e me fascinam essas casas velhas. Permitiram generosamente. Pus o binoculo nos olhos. Cinco minutos depois, vi 'o Austin parar diante do casarao. Gloria, radiante e fresca, saiu A porta. Empalideci. — 0 que sucede? — a velha quis saber. Nao me contive: diante dos velhos estupefatos, corn i para a porta como urn doido. No corredor, topei corn o Sr. Biancamano, que entrava. Quase o atirei no chdo. Desci as escadas de tres em tres degraus. Ao chegar A rua, o carro jd partira. No dia seguinte nao pude voltar ao meu posto de observacao: seria descaramento demais. Vaguei pela cidade feito urn possesso: em todas as mulheres descobria semelhanca corn Gloria. E nao podia ver urn Austin sem me Or a tremer dos pes a cabeca. Sentado num bar, bebericando uma cerveja, lembrei-me de consultar o Dr. Machado. Jd o conhecia e precisava dum psicanalista, um medico como o Dr. Machado, corn quem tivesse franca liberdade de confessar os meus problemas. S6 urn medico poderia salvar-me da loucura. Entrei no consultorio corn ar apalermado. Larguei-me numa poltrona, olhando o medico. Era eu quem fazia perguntas: — Que idade tern, doutor? — Quarenta e dois. — Casado? — Casei-me recentemente. — Jd amou desesperadamente? Ou melhor, sabe o que e uma dor de cotovelo? Sinceridade, doutor. Ele interessou-se pelo meu caso. Era homem sensivel e ate hdpouco fora urn solteirao. Amara uma enfermeira. Moca feia e sem graca, mas a amara sem limites. Contei-lhe o meu caso, inclusive os episOdios da alfaiataria e da "Pensao Estrela". Ouvia atento. — Que imaginacao o senhor tern! — disse em tom de elogio. — Ela é que me mata. 0 que devo fazer, doutor, para me livrar disso? Dr. Machado passeou pela sala. Disse: — Em primeiro lugar, sexo aplacado. Se puder ter relacOes sexuais duas vezes por dia, muito melhor. Era o que eu fazia para me esquecer de Helena. 0 melhor caminho é enjoo da came feminina. Eu entendia. — Deu resultado no seu caso? Dr. Machado largou-se numa poltrona: — NAO.
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Engracado: como dava um conselho ciente de que no obteria resultado? — 0 que o senhor fez depois? Dr. Machado, sem olhar-me, recordava. As lembrancas davam-lhe prazer e dor ao mesmo tempo. — Urn dia me meti num cargueiro. Prendi-me num cargueiro, entendeu? Fui dar na Argentina. Urn mes na Argentina, bebendo, correndo atras de mulheres e dancando tango. Quando voltei, Helena havia-se mudado para o Norte. Arrependi-me de consultar aquele medico. Ele nao me abria nenhuma porta para a fuga a nao ser a de um melancolico cargueiro rumo a Argentina. Levantando, anunciei: — Tive uma ideia: ja que perdi meus postos de observacao, you alugar urn Volkswagen e estaciona-lo diante do casarao amarelo. Ficarei la dia e noite ate descobrir algo. Para minha surpresa, o medico achou a ideia excelente: — Isso nao me ocorreu em relacao a Helena. Parabens. — 0 que o senhor disse? — Parabens. Mais animado, decidi: — Comeco já. Na porta, Dr. Machado, jeitosamente, me perguntou: — Onde fica esse casarao amarelo? Num Self-Drive aluguei urn Volks velho, vesti uma capa de chuva, pus oculos pretos e parti para o casarao. Levava sanduiches, bolachas, empadinhas, como se fosse fazer urn piquenique. Ah, e o litro... o litro era indispensavel porque ninguem pode ficar, muitas horas sem urinar. E estranha a sensacao de ter de permanecer horas e horas num carro parado. Deve ser mais agradavel percorrer a Belem-Brasilia, dando vivas a JK. Uma rua e monOtona sempre, por mais movimentada que seja. 0 pior era quando a noite caia. No primeiro dia vi Gloria entrar no casarao e se sair de madrugada. Estava tao cansado, que dormi dentro do carro. Acordei cedo, corn a rua iluminada. Ao meio-dia o Austin parou na frente do meu Volks. 0 homem de cara de chave-inglesa saiu, levando u'a mala. Pude ve-lo mais de perto: era antipatico, parent bem vestido. Nesse dia, sO me distrai urn pouco quando Gloria saiu, apanhou um taxi, e foi para o apartamento da tia. Assim, dirigindo dois quilometros, desenferrujei os musculos. Ela dormiu no apartamento, mas logo cedo recebeu a visita do homem do Austin. Imaginei que o fulano estava convencendo a tia a deixar Gloria viver corn ele. Nessa noite acabaram-se minhas provisties: comprei mais sanduiches, empadas, pastels e amendoins. Comprei revistas e urn livro policial. A tarde, tive fortes dores nas pernas. Felizmente GlOria saiu e pude mexer-me, acornpanhando-a, no Volks, ate o maldito casarao amarelo. Para minha surpresa, no comeco da noite o Dr. Machado Os a cara na janela do meu carro. — Novidades? — Dr. Machado! — Posso entrar? NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
Entrou e ficou comigo ate as dez horas. Nesse tempo, contou-me corn minacias o seu caso corn a enfermeira. Se na ocasiao tivesse tido a ideia do Self-Drive, descobriria corn quem Helena o traia. Ao ver o litro, felicitou-me e teceu novos elogios minha imaginacao. 0 dia seguinte era sabado e o Dr. Machado voltou. Disse que dispunha de mais tempo.. — Que tal este posto de observacao? — perguntou. — Oferece algumas vantagens sobre a alfaiataria e a pensao. Pode funcionar nos sabados e domMgos e a qualquer hora. — E verdade — confirmou Dr. Machado. Mas o que apurou ate agora? — Acho que nada. — Persista. Eu e o Dr. Machado nao tiravamos os olhos da porta do casarao. Observei que se impressionara demais pelo meu caso e revivia atraves dele o seu proprio drama de dame. Estava fazendo o tempo recuar. Para ele, quern estava no casarao nao era Gloria e, sun, a sua Helena enfermeira, e excit vase. — La vem o Austin — informou-me, i4ais vigilante do que eu mesmo. — Nao se distr ia, rapaz. Bern me haviam prevenido de que todo os psicanalistas sdo doidos! S6 um louco e capaz de se interessar tanto pela loucura alheia. Corn urn medico,desses, eu ndo podia ficar curado. — E uma visita rapida, logo o homem sai. 0 Dr. Machado ficou comigo mais de uma hora, depois despediu-se. No domingo, voltaria para ajudar-me. Homem de palavra, voltou mesmo. Trouxe frutas. Sentou-se ao meu lado e quase nao conversava, corn os olhos no casarao. — Como estou cansado — lamentei. — Agtiente firme. — Quatro dias que estou dentro deste Volks. Ele nao se comovia corn meu aspecto fisico. Queria a solucao do problema. 0 homem do Austin seria amante da moca? E quem era aquela crianca? Num momento em que o menino saiu a porta, o Dr. Machado exammou corn o binoe lo. Tambem desconfiava de que fosse filho de GIO ia. Quando nao tinha assunto, o medico rola as un as e fazia cacoetes. Na segunda-feira ele reapareceu corn urn am lo sorriso: — Sabe que amanha e feriado? — E dai? — Podemos ficar o dia inteiro, observando. Eu podia suportar a minha propria loucura, mas suportar tambem a loucura dos outros era demais. Alem disso, tinha chime do Dr. Machado. Por que se interessava tanto pela minha Gloria? Apesar da irritacdo que se apossava de mini, senti-me mais satisfeito no feriado corn a companhia do Dr. Machado. Era melhor do que a solidao. Ele me confortava, lembrando o sacrificio dos astronautas dentro de pequenas celas. Para reanimar-me, aplicou-me uma injecao de nao sei que no braco. Mas o tempo todo olhava para o casarao amarelo. — La vai ela! — exclamei. — Vamos segui-la! — bradou o medico. GlOria apanhou urn taxi, mas a mi ha perseguicao nao foi longa. Os mascu os emperrados me fizeram dirigir sem pericia e ui esbarrar num pesado caminhao. Nem quero contar o aborrecimento que isso causou a mim e ao Dr. Machado. Devolvi o carro amassado ao Self-Drive. 0 proprietario do estabelecimento estranhou que em oito dias eu sO rodasse sete quilometros. Acusoume de ter alterado o marcador para nao pagar o excesso. Nao pude convence-lo do contrario. , A grande desgraca era a chegada do fim 4as minhas ferias. Como voltar ao trabalho se neu
dame me ocupava tempo integral, corn horas extras e sem descanso aos sabados' e domingos? Desnorleado, procurava Dr. Machado em seu consultorio. Deixava, afoito, qualquer cliente para atender-me. Costumava consolar-me assim: — Voce ndo conquistou a pequena, mas esta vivendo •grandes emo0e-s. Isso ndo me consolava, o que eu queria cram novas iddias que me ajudassem a solucionar o misterio do casardo amarelo. Dia e noite quebrava a cabec a a procura de outro caminho. Mas sejamos justos: o Dr. Machado me ajudou nesse trabalho. finalmente, juntosi tivemos outra ousada,, corajosa, terrivel. Vou entrar no casardo amarelo. Repito, se quiserem! Vou entrar no casardo amarelo! Como? Sobre a minha cama, muito hem passado e limpo esta urn uniforme de bombeiro. SO Deus sabe corn que sacrificio o consegui. Vestido de bombeiro e corn urn enorme bigode GlOria nab vai me reconhecer. Na verdade, nao pensei ainda no pretexto para entrar na casa. E urn detalhe sem importancia. Inventarei na hora qualquer coisa. Farei ao homem da cara de chave-inglesa, a velha, ao menino e a GlOria uma prelecao contra os fogos de artificio, jã que o mes de junho esta al. Tambern nao inventei uma est6ria antes de entrar na alfaiataria e na "Pensao Estrela". 0 pr6prio Dr. Machado gentilmente se ofereceu para levar-me em seu carro ate a porta do casarao amarelo. Ficou na rua a espera dos resultados. Homem humanissimo bem sabe quando doi uma dor de cotovelo. Despedi-me dele como quem parte para uma guerra. Em meu uniforme de bombeiro cheguei ate a porta. Dr. Machado me fez sinal para ajeitar o quepe... Parei urn instante, mas prossegui. Comecei a subir os degraus da casa corn emocao. A primeira pessoa que vi foi o menino: — Glorinha, tern urn "sordado" al... This story was published under the original title of "0 Casarao Amarelo" in 0 Enterrro da Cafetina, a collection of Marcos Rey's short stories, by Civilizacao Brasileira publishing company.
33
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TRAVEL NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
aven't heard about Monica, etc o, Cebolinha & Co. yet you been reading your paper very entivelyi. They are all part of the ma da Monica, a gang of comic recters'Nhose adventures have n translated into nine languages exported to 17 countries. uriclo de Souza Productions, sporisil?le for bringing out the a, is the fourth largest animation in any in the world.
;:
DIVYA SHUKLA
atoor of .,natiiiiciopdaueiSoobuyzab,uir.e.N nica (ifyi -M Tbirty4ive,moatr en - ca s Gana) comic books, saga w an to market his his ideg.s .41 ao. itislifard to find -a Brazilian child that is ,notl,„ with Met4ica, Casco, Magall f, jr, Ys' NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
35
sitton crim I sp I 4 deSelo Pau es that later he nu mi ade he newspap nt s were created ma ./ dur 4ay night job. Perseverance an persua when the newspaper agreed to pri ,ontic trips regularly. Fire years la:er de pubish his cartoons and quit his nigh The temperamental ouckloothe with t e rademark blue stuTed rabbtt draped :tround by the ears is MOnica. Socza's dauEhter tca as the inspiration for the character of the ..:tene name. Monica is bossy, tough and a Late-oitncr to the aisenesamor ene. " • """—`,. he character pf MOnica was introduced in 1963 in Cebolinha's 0 T11
hort gained peal am readers book Mon e the st tne have Jh their ow linha is t one, als a that lisp is the love
-apthe otnic
ay the eters rs o eboimid own acter agali that asfoulthe sn't like to bathe. he characters are bas te twins Vania a Con ed y seven year old Braz cer team Ccrnthians.. aSp B dog. Souza's inspirat ways en, evidenced by Pelezin eated in honer of. ti and frien el ' MOn as mellowed in her el the ear mitt strips Mot- ica was especia ainst Ceboltnha. The toned do hen a grotra of neigt, dren fro s 3arra da T juca th buying th unless MOnica with more respect.. Souza compli_ quest and created a character. What is the ;ec
ouza's a; Do 1- fan of Li re is n z alam acter e '-great d uring
ssive te was od chilLi to stop olipha e re-
lonica's harac-
ters, aaswers Souza. Children like predictability because it enabaes them to guess he plot. Childrer like repetition, they like to watch the sane thing over and over again because it give; them familiarity and an understanding of the characters. Ti Turma da Monica has been so successful that thecornic books are translated into nine langiages and are exported tit 17 countries, 7wenty-five million comic books are sold per month on a worli.vi de basis. And Mauricio de Scuza Productions (MS?) is the fourth largest animatio company in the world. MSP earns $300 million per year in revenues generated from products lijur )----cersed with the MOnica trademark, The product line %NO iacludes everything frog o able diapo soap and cloth Mg in 62 count MSP's COM part ial giir u as Nestle, Proc amble and v royalties n prodicts licensed with ogo. e discornX-d 35% sable e in manufactured their di oftael 'Irma Da \Vic ic Tows siw its re'ventie i-o-n the manufacture anc. Cebolinha coils. MSP's headquarter leighborhood o La) he corporation occupies two si !dings and employs 300 art sts siness deals are conducted by Sou aughter and inspiration, MC- nica. Monica is the directcr of the fcod visio generates .5(-% of MSP. s oN.erall Mauricio de Souza cred y yoang staff with the contin ess of the Tuna da Monica. Sou ys that he relies heavily cn tie opin o his female Kaff which has, e almos always been right in the past. 'Whenever there is an uncertainty regarding the script or prodNEWS from BRAZI - DECEMBER 1995
uct line, the opinion of the female emoloyees has Proved to be a winner. Foreign competition of comic strips and carcons created a necessity for Tunna da Monica to be more aggressive and to invade over media sources-. The suNess of the Ninj a Turtles and other Japanese comics began to affect MSP•s revenues so much that, MSP began to create cartoons made for TV. hi addition to nine feature-length cartoon r films especially aimed at the Latin American ma ket. Many of these films were also exported to Portugal and China. in association with MSP,, A Belgianc produceda 52-episode cartoon series made for Portuguese television which cost $10 milion. Taiwan's Cuckoo's Nest contracted MSP fore episode seriesifade especially for television, to ba52e broadcast in Er glish. The estimated cost ls-$50 $18 million and it should.generate revenues of million wthin one Year, according to The biggest competitor was the Dis—n°ellyza corn . ics which dominated the Brazilian an imatlon p until 1987 when a partnership between MSP and beneficial. ofeannD the Brazilian Publisher Globe Proved 31obo whAch w a,- also interested d agreed to fmanc-e and publish one million IsneY hooks in order to s the market, this led to demand f 3.5 millionn comic booksper month.to a What does the future hold for the bToustsm ieas?t What l about Monicalarcl, the happiest and p ace on earth? A Latin American 13isney land is actually being considered. Souza wants it to be strategically located, close to Argentina and Paraguay (two f o Brazil's Partners in the Mercosul agreement). agreeme has been dealing,with the stategovernment ril$P Porte Alegre couldof eioa do Sul because P possiblee stght for this park. Even bough Monicaland might be something for the future, Sao Paulo' s shopping center Eldorado does have its owr MOnica amusement kinineaxn2genssrated in January hf 1993 whichreceiypea: isitors Per Year. The p is mainly l.g5empillaliyognrovur aofiar Al, with toys, s, trees and grass. The dea was to re—i•Icate a backyard, or as thee Braziliansall call it a quinta/• There at.en t tnat an m chanic,.1 ,, toys, but there are computers that Yalloewchildren to interact with several of MSP s characters. Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba m ay soon have their own Monica parks in the same style as the one in Sao Paulo. There are also ambitious plan of recreating the same here in the United States, in fact, negotiations with Kim Basingerhappenedbut never materialized. It might be a while before American2 read the Turma da Monica comics regularly, but until then Ivlauricio da Souza will continue to create interimnally famed comic strip characters that brighten the day of children and adults alik. Close to 60% of Monica's regular readers are adults. NEWS from BRAZIL- DECEMBER 19E+5
Maud= de Souza, Monica's creator.
BRASIL
UM GUIA ete Vezes Melhor cc m todas as informacties que voce pr cisa
PORTUGAL
Nosso Guia
'96 Urn
ANGOLA
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CABO VERDE
residentes nos Estados Unidos.
MOCAMBIQUE
S.TOMEePR1NCIPE
uncle Já! 972-3427 Fax (305) 972-3941 37
you are going to Goias, ake it on the Semana Sant 'Week). The hkigorical cobo of Goias Velho shines th $the ith thefril• /1st' ti e b eriroy natUr .s irsolthe ones that Now.nift, 18th-century
he capital of the state of Goias, Goiania, is 200 km southwest of Brasilia and 9,)0 km from both Cuiaba and Sao Paulo. Planned by urbanist Armando de God6i and founded in 1933, it's a fairly pleasant place with lots of open spaces laid out around circular streets in the center. There are three main zones — housing is in the south, administration is in the center, and industry and commerce are in the north The core of Goiania's economy is based on the commercialization ofthe region'scattle. Goias Velho —The historical colonial city of Goias Velho was formerly known as Vila Boa. Cnce the state capital, it is 141 km from Goiania and is linked to Cuiaba by dirt road. The city and its baroque churches shine (luting the Semana Santa (Holy Week). History — On the heels of the gold discoveries in Minas Gerais, bandeirantes pushed further into the interior in search of more precious stones and, as always, Indian slaves. In 1682 a bandeira headed by the old Paulista Bartolomeu Bueno da Silva, visited the area. The Goyaz Indians gave him the nickname Anhangiiera (old devil) when aftuburning some cachaca (which the Indians believed to be water) an a plate, he threatened to set fire to all the rivers if they didn't show him where their gold mines were. Three years later, having been given up for dead, the old devil and a few survivors returned o Sao Paulo with gold and Indian slaves from Goias. In 1722 his son, who had been on the first trip, organized another bandeira and the gold rush was on. It followed a pattern similar to that in Minas Gerais. First came the Paulistas, then the Portuguese Emboabas and soon the Black slaves. With every-
T
38
thing imported from so far away, prices were even higher than in Minas Gerais and many suffered and died, particularly the slaves. The boom ended quickly. Things to See — Walking through Goias Velho, the former state capital, you quickly notice the main legacies of the gold rush: 18th-century colonial architecture and a large mulato and mestizo population. The streets are narrow with low houses and there are seven churches. The most impressive is the oldest, the Igreja de Paula (1761) at Praca Zaqueu Alves de Castro. The Museu das Bandeiras is also well worth a visit. It's in the old town council building (1766) at Praca Brasil Caiado. Other museums worth a look are the Museu de Arte Sacra in the old Igreja da Boa Morte (1779) on Praca Castel° Branco, with lots of 19thcentury works by local Goianian Viega Vale, and the Palacio Conde dos Arc os, the old governor's residence. All museums are open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 8 am to noon. Festival — The big occasion here is Semana Santa (Holy Week). The main streets of town are lit by hundreds of torches, carried by the towns-folk and dozens of hooded figures in a procession which reenacts the removal of Christ from the cross and his burial. Pirenopolis — Another historic colonial gold city, PirenOpolis is 70 km from Anapolis and 128 km from Goiania on the Rio das Almas. There are some unusual rock formations in the Serra dos Pirineus but you need NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
a car to see them. PirenOpolis was founded in 1727 by a bandeira of Paulistas in search of gold and was originally called Minas de Nossa Senhora do Rosario da Meia Ponte. In 1989 it was placed on the Patrim6nio Nacional (National Heritage) register. The city's colonial buildings sit on striking red earth under big skies. Churches—The Igreja Matriz (1732) is the oldest sacred monument in the state. The Igreja Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (1750) with its beautiful altars contains an image of the Senhor do Bonfim brought here from Portugal in 1755. The Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo (1750) was built by the Portuguese and is used today as the Museu das Artes Sacras. Fazenda Babilonia —Twenty-six km from town, this fazenda has been placed on the Patrimonio Nacional list because it's considered one of the best examples of an 18th-century farmhouse and sugar mill. It's worth a visit if you can get out there. Festival — The city is famous for the acting out of the story Festa do Divino Espirito Santo. 45 days after Easter. It's a tradition begun in 1819 and if you're in the neighborhood make a point of seeing this stunning and curious spectacle, one of the most fascinating in Brazil. For three days the town looks like a scene from the middle ages. Cavalhadas, congadas, mascardos, tapirios and pastorinhos perform a series of medieval tournaments, dances and festivities which includes a mock battle between Moors and Christians in distant Iberia. Riding richly decorated horses, the combatants wear bright costumes and bull-headed masks. In the end, proving that heresy doesn't pay, the Moors are defeated on the battlefield and convert to Christianity. The festival is happy, and more folkloric than religious. The town's population swells several-fold during the festival. Things to buy — Pirenopolis is considered the national silver capital. For silver jewelry check out Terra Nostra in Rua Mestre Propicio, P-2 in Praca Benjamin Constant, and Baratos Afins at Alto de Carmo: the last also has leather, ceramics, woodwork and soapstone crafts. Caldas Novas — Caldas Novas, 167 km from Goiania and 393 km from Brasilia, has more than 30 hot springs with average temperatures of 42°C (107°F). Now a very popular resort, the region has dozens of hotels at all levels of price and luxury. Studies have shown that the healing waters work particularly well with people suffering from high-blood pressure, poor digestion, weak endocrine glands or impotency. Information — Tourist Office — There's a tourist information booth in Praca Mestre Orlando that's open from 8 am to noon an 1 to 6 pm. It has lots of information about the various springs you can dip into, most of which are out of town. Getting there and away — The rodoviaria NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
is at the end of Rua A tonio Coelho de Godoy. Frequent buses go to Brasilia (6 hou s), Goiania (3 hours) as well as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paul , PARQUE NACIO AL DA CHAPADA DOS VEADEIROS t ' Just over 200 km n rth of Brasilia, this scenic park is located in the highest area oil the Central West. With high waterfalls, natural swimming po ls and oasis-like stands of wine-palms, it has become a popular destination amongst Brazilian ecotourists. Animal life includ s the maned-wolf, banded anteater, giant armadillo, capybara a d tapir. Birds include rheas, toucans and vultures. The best ti e to visit the park is between May and October. Places to stay — Camping is the best option here. Basic accommodation can b found in the small nearby town of Sao Jorge. PARQUE NACIO AL DAS EMAS — Emas is a relatively small 1300 sq km park in the corner of the state of Goias, where it meets the states of ato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. The park lies along the Br zilian great divide between the Amazon and Parana river basis at the head waters of the Araguaia, the Formoso and the Taqu ri rivers. The three rivers t e divergent paths to the Atlantic. The Araguaia courses nort to the equator via the Tocantins and the mighty Amazon. The io Taquari travels westward to flood the Pantanal, it then flows outh via the Paraguai. The Rio Formoso changes name midstrea to Corrientes and flows into the Parnaiba and then the Parana. T e Paraguai and the Parana flow on either side of Paraguay, meet t Argentina and enter the Atlantic a few hundred km east of Bu nos Aires and some 35° latitude south of the mouth of the Ama on. Surrounded by rapi ly encroaching farmlands, Emas park is on a high plateau covered by grassy plains and open woodlands. There is little foliage to obstruct the sighting of wildlife, which includes anteaters, deer, capybara, foxes, tapir. peccaries, armadillos, and blue and yellow macaws. It is the home of endangered wolves, and is the exclusive sanctuary of the jacamari and other rare species. Another interesting spectacle in the park is the large number of termite mo nds which, at certain times of the year 'glow' in the dark fro a fluorescence produced by the termite larvae. The dry season is fr m July to October. Be careful: the area is then dry enough for pontaneous brush fires. In 1988 a fire raged for five days and burned up 65% of the park area. Places to stay — T ere is basic accommodation inside the park. You'll need to t e your own food, and there is a kitchen and a cook available. It s also possible to camp in the park, and this costs around $2 a ight per person. Getting There & A ay — Access to the park is tough. Even though it's surrounded by farmland there are no paved roads or regular bus routes. Visitors must arrange with private companies for 4WD or air taxis fr m as far away as Cuia a, Goiania and Cam .o Excerpts from Brazil Grande. A Travel Survival Kit Adventurous types ay 2nd edition, consider taking BR-364 to by Andrew Draffen, Alto do Araguaia/Sa ta Deanna Swaney Rita do Araguaia (531 m and Robert Strauss. For from Goiania, 423 km fr m more information call Cuiaba), then hitching 3 Lonely Planet: (800) 275km to Placa dos Minei s 8555. Copyright 1992 on a road that's bei Lonely Planet Publications. paved, and then 40 to 0 Used by permission. km further on dirt roads to the park. 39
FTTAS SEMANAIS COM PROGRAMAVIES DA TV GLOBO BRAZIL UPDATE WEEKLY 37 WEST 43rd ST. NEW YO PHONE: (212) 819-9078 FAX (212) 819-0170 40
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NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
B
etween August 11 and Sep tember 5 of 1996, the cit ies of Salvador and Cachoeira, two historical cities in the state of Bahia, will become a forum for deep cultural reflections for all Black and Indian cultures from the Americas. This forum is an art expo called BIENAM (Afro-Indian American International Biennial of Culture). This singular gathering, a rare mix of art and politics, follows on the steps of BIENAM I held in March of 1994, which was a big success according to its organizers. Close to 4,000 people from all over the world participated in the first encounter. Then and now, the main purpose of the meeting is to strengthen the cultural identity of Blacks and Indians. Discussions and debates about social problems are a key point in this event, says Ivan de Oliveira, an idealistic painter from Salvador, who is also the president of BIENAM. Oliveira, 43, is not an illustrious unknown. He has done different exhibitions in Bahia, Brasilia, and the state of Santa Catarina. He is also known in Argentina where he has shown and exhibited his art. He has developed his militant side by occupying the presidency of two different art associations in Bahia. According to the artist, the Black Diaspora will be the focus of the discussions and debates of the next encounter. The biennial event's intention is to promote the integration of the Black and Indian people. Last year's gathering, notes Oliveira, was organized by a group of Blacks without financial resources, but with a lot of experience with past events. The project was first presented to the Dean of the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Professor Luis Felipe Ferret Serpa. He was enthusiastic and offered space in the university for an exhibition. Later the organizers were able to expose also at the Pelourinho, a historical site in Salvador and close to shopping malls. Oliveira has come to California to invite the Afro and Indian community, as well as anyone interested in their cultural richness, to participate in the BIENAM II. Among the cultural and artistic events from the Biennial there will be offerings such as handicrafts, videos, theater, dance, music, recipes, folklore. Representatives of Chile, Uruguay, United States, Spain and various African countries have already confirmed their presence at the art expo. NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
Oliveira reminds that another BIENAM's goal is to remove certain barriers which prevent the total recognition of Black and Indian culture which are discriminated as being Third World. And he adds, "We also intend to discuss the article 27, of the 1976 universal declaration of the human rights which states that "every nation has the right to a national and cultural identity as well as religious." Is it a good idea to have a Biennial of art which includes events not directly related to art? "Certainly," says Oliveira, "a Biennial doesn't have to be specific, it doesn't have to be in a big exhibit place with famous arts, nor a temple for new ideas, avant-gardists ideas or whatever you want to call it. Our Biennial is a project for the affirmation of the Afro and Indian cultures. This is a realistic project because it approaches both, the social and the artistic aspect of the culture." The Baiano painter reminds that art is an effective way for transmitting a message and it can contribute to social changes. He sees a need to look for educational formulas or ways through the participation of intellectuals, sciSalvador, Bahia, culturally the richest entists and professors to of the black towns in Brazil is giving help change the social a party for the Black and Indian conditions of the poor. "In fact," he adds, "the Diaspora and everybody is invited. It participation and contriwill be a bash with plenty of fine art, bution of everyone is esmusic, and reflection. sential in order to enrich the seminar." MARIO NATALI The BIENAM is being organized by the Federal University of Bahia's department of human sciences and sociology. There's already a rough draft of the encounter. They will be discussing how to help citizens to be aware of their civil rights and the international laws that protect them and how to take to junior high and high school levels, the history of the popular art and the African influence in the Americas as well as to cultivate the Indian art. •
Getting together
41
Mention nulsica caipira to a cultured company in Brazil and be prepared for the snickering. A collection of CDs released in Brazil, however, shows that backland music is much richer than it gets credit for. BRUCE GILMAN
Those who appreciate country (backland) viola it is difficult for a listener to tell whether music will be pleased with the release in Brazil of the style heard is a caterete, rascpteado, or a a collection of historic CDs These discs bring to valseado. the masters of the viola a long overdue recogniThis is the conclusion one comes to after tion. Many who have been forgotten by today's listening to Son/ da Terra, the fourteen-CD colgeneration. lection that contains some of the best of country In the past the word serictneja had been used as music. One of the great pleasures of Sam du a type of umbrella category that included all Terra (Sound of the Land) is discovering the country music originating in the interior regions rhythmic varieties employed in caipiras, many of Brazil. Today howeverSertancla refers to music of which were inherited from the flamenco muthat has a slick studio sound, employs a rock sic of the Spanish colonies that neighbor Brazil. ensemble format, and incorporates The collection concentrates on duos such as synthesizers instead of the viola (the Tonico and TinocO and Tiao ten string guitar-like instrument). Carreiro and Pardinho whose Its performers dress like Texas songs tell stories and carry the cowboys and sing without the resertilo tradition of bringing gional accent. It is typified by the news and reporting events — groups Chitaozinho and Xoror6 and albeit with much elaboration Leandro and Leonardo. Sertanejct — to areas where there were today 'is not the genuine Sertaneja few newspapers and where music of earlier times. It may have many people could not read. gained a better sound quality but These musicians were not only without the viola it loses much of its story tellers; they were reportTonico and Tinoco variety, integrity, and creativity. ers and journalists. Caipirct on the other hand is the traditional One of the best CDs from backland music. It is performed by a trio using the series Rio de Lcigrintas is from the duo Tiao acoustic. instruments and singing in the regional Carreiro and Pardinho. Tido Carreiro, one of the dialect of the backlands, which is very different greatest violeiros, paints words with a rich lafrom the dialect spoken in Rio. The sound of the menting tone, punctuates the rhythm in a style viola is unique to the caipirus style. It serves as having no percussion instruments, and speaks the harmonic base. with his soul through finely interwoven mixes To abandon. the viola, to leave it out of the qf the recortadoillineir0,toada, and rasqtteado accompaniment, is to lose not only the timbre styles. The listener cannot imagine these lyrics (tona) color) of the instrument but also its rhythisolated from his accompaniment. These two mic inventory. Rhythmically the viola marks the elements couldn't be separated. Carreiro's acpulse of the music and accents it. It points out the companiment exudes a passion that helps the style to which every song is affiliated. Without the listener to fully understand the lyrics. 42
NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
Another disc in this collection of very rich material which should be heard is from the duo Tonico and Tinoco. This disc is full of the flavor of the traditional caipira. The track "Moda da Mula Preta" ("Song of the Black Mule") tells the tale of a mule seven palms high that is killed by the bite of a venomous snake. "Moda da Mula Preta" employs the caterete rhythm. Caterere is probably the oldest rhythm found in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, and Goias. It is derived from a dance that the Indians in those regions used to practice. In his Dictionary of Brazilian Music, Mario de Andrade states that Jose de Anchieta, the famous fourteenth century Jesuit priest who came to Brazil with the first colonizers, utilized this rhythm of the caterete to catholicize the Tupi Indians. Substituting catholic prayers in Portuguese for the original Tupi lyrics yet keeping the original melodies and rhythm, he employed a modern and extremely dynamic method of teaching Amerindians the Portuguese language and belief system. The two extremes (the worst and the best) of the collection are from Cornelio Pires and the duo Pena Branca and Xavantinho. Cornelio (1884-1958), a journalist and writer who published 23 books and was the first to record (1929) caipira music, was neither a singer nor instrumentalist. His CD brings us a dozen spoken anecdotes about the ingenuity and quick-witted but elementary nature of caipireiros. It is a faithful representation but is without music. At the other extreme, there is the disc by Pena Branca and Xavantinho, the modern kings of the genre. They show with their performance of "Cuitelinho", a folk tune from Minas Gerais, and the composition "0 Cio da Terra" by Milton Nascimento and Chico Buarque that it is possible to update the tradition without losing its integrity. Pena Branca and Xavantinho are one of the few modern duos that preserve the variety and the surprise of genuine caipira. It is often said today that when you hear one Sertaneja group you've heard them all, that one just does not hear new ideas. Som da Terra shows that this was not always the case. Aside from its historic value, the best in the collection will be enjoyed not only by those who love and reach out for this music but also by those who long for tuneful times past.
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NEWS from BRAZIL-DECEMBER 1995
Brazilia Notas SCOTT ADAMS Perhaps no US music label is more closely associated with Brazilian music in this , country than Herbie Mann's ; Kokopelli Records, Inc. Their fall launchings include three new titles from guitarist Ricardo Silveira, vocalist Tania Maria and an exciting t all-star group, Brasilia. , Hailed by critics and reviewers„S'toryteller from Ricardo Silveira, signals the talented guitarist's return to the top of the charts (his last three releases have reached #1). The collection of 11 tunes showcases his talent for crafting contemporary jazz hits with a ;'..„ heady combination of techk, pique and creative flair:
tation asmusicians one of the on most re- laugh at the thought of being spected the!, racks from these albums, and left wor4 ss by lier own re- receive afree subscription to scene. "There are elements of r it No Comment is our newsletter 24 hours a day funk and jazz in Storyteller, yful and resolute by calling The Brazilian and I feel it's great to have in d1jp ation of music. Music Review Listener Line these musical worlds to exJJat (708) 292-4545, plore."Storyteller opens with elements of "Francesa," providing the guiavorites with And here's your invitation tarist with a foundation for Sergio M articipate in the ntl,Arthis unique playing style. Its 'Ilan* Wiew layered ensemble and rhyth- ta A's loiti6is6ada in a c urvey; an oppormic interaction make it a natu- the surprise or us to learn more ral choice for radio. Jazzy and and their dit a fan of Brazilupbeat, "The Puzzle" shows Wide make ji and a chance for off Silveira's rockish side, Vocalistra a special 20-CD while songs like "Fountains," modern day, sic library. This "After the Rain" and "Always we've alw ear , has seen an incredThere" showcase a compli- Brazilian aim ible explosion of all types of ment of top Brazilian and and innocen pop music -- over 275,000 Latin jazz musicians, includIgo th ante ihew releases. In fact, compeing Justo Aimario, tition for your music dollar is sm Conte, anci,Rique Pau so intense that even the largest music chains can't begin Si to stock every new title, let fla alone older album titles. And t makes our job even more rtant for readers such as
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ear, The Brazilian view polls its readetermine how to , r coverage and to th your Brazilian : ases. Your valuelps to address blems associ- ng those new ou've heard isyear, the • nstant BralandDlira —all ofthis year's top releases, hand- , picked for your listening pleasure. So takea minute to call ruffian Music Review ener Line at (708) 292and you'll receive a copy survey to fax or mail it DHggtates'ix o us soon. Be sure to lbrñote °But. each question in orhe music of valify for your chance rniandlvanLins I wish someone had 'want to 1>e apart o me such an opportuezpand introduced to
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Abelardo, Heloisa — Tragic love story from the 12th century is retold. Play causing big commotion because HeIoisa gets naked and she is TV actress Leticia Spiller who has refused to pose in the nude despite insisting calls from Playboy. Director: Moacyr Goes. In Rio. Corpo a Corpo— Adman reminisces and faces his own interior ghosts in this tragicomic fantasy. Written by Oduvaldo Viana Filho. With Zecarlos Machado. In sao Paulo. 0 Livro de JO — Based on the Bible, it discusses divine intervention and God's power. Directed by Antonio )kraajo. In Sao Paulo. Louro, Alto, Solteiro, Procura —Miguel Falabella, who wrote the text, plays all 17 characters of this comical monologue. In Rio. Perola — Written and directed by Mauro Rasi. Comedy. Everything in this middle class family ends in big laughable drama. In Rio. Porca Miseria — Comedy. A family of Italian immigrants devise a plot to get money in order to go back to Italy. Gianni Ratto directs Marcos Caruso and Eliana Rocha. In sao Paulo. Todo Mundo Sabe que Todo Mundo Sabe — Another play from prolific and multitalented Miguel Falabella who also directs it. A socialite struggle to avoid economic disaster. Torre de Babel — Fernando Arrabal's _play about the mad queen of Tera who drafts poets and heroes to defend her castle. Gabriel Vilela directs. With Marieta Severo. In Rio. Trair e Cocar E S6 Comecar — A loony maid makes life miserable for her bosses. Comedy directed by Attilio Ricca. In Sao Paulo. Vestido de Noiva — A classic. Nelson Rodrigues's story on the delusions and dreams of Alaide. Eduardo Tolentino de Aranjo directs. Denise Weinberg stars. In Sao Paulo. 46
American films just released: Dangerous Minds (Mentes Perigosas), Assassins (Assassinos), The Net (A Rede), Nine Months (Nove Meses), Sudden Death (Morte SUbita), Airborne (Manobra Super Radical), Kids (Kids), The Perez Family (Tudo por um Sonho), Dolores Claiborne (Eclipse Total), The Road to Wellville (0 Fantastic° Mundo do Dr. Kellogg) Lisbon Story (0 Ceu de Lisboa) — Germany — 1995 — Win Wender directs this film inside a film in which a movie abandoned by a director is retaken by another one. Menino Maluquinho (Crazy Boy) Brazil — 1995 — Based on character created by cartoonist Ziraldo. Maluquinho (The Little Crazy One) goes to his grandfather's farm for a vacation when his parents get divorced. 0 Mandarim — Brazil — 1995 — The story of singer Mario Reis who had an unrequited passion for singer-actress Carmen Miranda. Directed by hallo Bressane. Mario, Maria e Mario (Mario, Maria e Mcirio) — Italy 1993 — The fall of Russia wrecks havoc at the life of a socialist couple, husband and wife are communist militants. Ettore Scola directed. Mushrooms (Cogumelos: Gostosos de Morrer) —Australia— 1994 —Two friendly widows having a hard time to make ends meet are looking for something to do. One decides to steal, the other to take care of a boarding house. Directed by Alan Madden. La Passion Turca (A Paixtio Turca) Spain — 1994— Circumspect housewife suddenly becomes a sex machine during a trip to Turkey. By Vicente Aranda. Lucky Break (Urn Golpe de Sorte) — Australia — 1995 — Romantic comedy with salesman who gets involved with a novelist after a series of misunderstandings. Directed by Ben Lewin. 0 Quatrilho — Brazil— 1995 — Fabio Barreto directs Patricia Pillar, Gloria Pires, Bruno Campos, and Alexander Paternorst in this dramatic story of two couples against the morals of the time. The action takes place among Italian immigrants in the south of Brazil. Sdbado (Saturday) — Brazil — 1994— Comedy directed by Ugo Georgetti with Otavio Augusto and Maria Padilha. A group of friends and what happens on a weekend in a Sao Paulo old building.
Fiction 1. 0 Xango de Baker Street Jo Soares (Comp. das Letras) 2. 0 Mundo de Sofia — Jostein Gaarder (Comp. das Letras) 3. A Profecia Celestina James Radfield (Objetiva) 4. Comedias da Vida Privada Luis F. Verissimo (L&PM) 5. Pelas Portas do Coracdo Zibia Gasparetto (Espaco, Vida & Consciencia) 6. Uma Professora Muito Maluquinha — Ziraldo (Melhoramentos) 7. As Valquirias Paulo Coelho (Rocco) 8. 0 Buraco na Parede Rubem Fonseca (Comp. das Letras) 9. Acidente — Danielle Steel (Record) 10. Vozes no Verdo Rosamunde Pilcher (Bertrand Brasil)
Nonfiction 1. Paula Isabel Allende (Bertrand Brasil) 2. 0 Guia dos Curiosos Marcelo Duarte (Companhia das Letras) 3. Anjos Cabalisticos Monica Buonfiglio (Oficina Cultural Esoterica) 4. A Magia dos Anjos Cabalisticos - Monica Buonfiglio (Oficina Cult. Esoterica) 5. Maud, Empresdrio do Imp& rio — Jorge Caldeira (Companhia das Letras) 6. A Revoluctio dos Campedes — Roberto Shinyashiki (Gente) 7. Homens S 'do de Marie, Mulheres Sdo de Venus —John Gray (Rocco) 8. Etiqu eta sem Frescura Claudia Matarazzo (Melhoramentos) 9. Um AntropOlogo ern Marie Oliver Sacks (Companhia das Letras) 10. Voce Pode Curar Sua Vida Louise L. Hay (Comp. das Letras) NEWS from BRAZIL. DECEMBER 1995
POR BRAZIL RADIOCOURSE As a political exile in the US during Brazil's military regime Maurilio Ferreira Lima missed the contact with Brazilian music, news and the Portuguese language. Now, as president of Radiobras — the state organ in charge of Brazil's radio broadcast all over the world — Lima has signed an agreement to transmit a nightly course dealing with geography, history and Portuguese language for children of Brazilian immigrants living in North America and Japan. The radio program, which started December 1, is just part of a project called Pacote da Cidadania (Citizenship Package), which will allow Bra zilians living abroad to contribute to the retirement system in Brazil, to get loans to purchase a home and get discounts on air tickets when they maintain a special savings account in the state savings bank Caixa Econ6mica Federal. It might take months, perhaps years, until the whole program is implemented, however.
CALLING ALL BRAZILIANS Having heard and known about some horror stories involving Brazilians in the US who didn't know who to contact when dealing with financial or immigration problems, Berto da Silva decided to create BRASUSA, the Brasilian US Association. The Modesto and San Francisco based non-profit group intends to be a helping hand to educate and orient those Brazilians just trying to integrate themselves into the American community. Brasusa is in the prOcess of getting members and hopes to count on business people and leaders of the Brazilian community to make the association work. To know more call (209) 571-9041. NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
MUSICAL SNAPSHOT Brasil: A Century of Song is so amazing in so many respects, that's hard to believe this is the first CD release of a New York recording label called Blue Jackel. It starts with the elaborate packaging. Inside there are four CDs covering almost 60 years of Brazilian sounds, beginning with Ary Barroso's 1939 "Deixa Esta Mulher Sofrer" (Let This Woman Suffer). At the other end we can listen to just-released Marisa Monte's "Esta Melodia" (This Melody) and Daniela Mercury's "Swing, da Cor" (Color Swing). In between there's a little of everything — inarcha, choro, samba, bossa nova, axe, forro — and everybody — Carmen Miranda, Joao Gilberto, Chico Buarque, Baden Powel, Jorge Ben Jor. Each CD portrays a time and a style. Disc one, "Folk and Traditional," shows the samba roots and samba's gold period. Disc two, "Carnaval," presents the growth of samba and samba schools. "The Bossa
Nova Era", disc three, gives an undiluted Bossa Nova, the way it was before being Americanized. The last CD, "MPB, M0sica Popular Brasileira", brings Brazil's pop music stars like Milton Nascimento, Edu Lobo, Ivan Lins and Gal Costa. We've got here a total of 65 tracks gleaned from thousands of recordings including old 78s and demo tapes from artists looking for a chance to record. A booklet with detailed stories on the songs — but no lyrics — complete the treat. The CDs can be bought together or separately. Want to know more? Call (516) 932-1608.
Learn Another Language on Your Own! Learn to speak a foreign language fluently on your own and at your own pace with what are considered the finest in-depth courses available. Many were developed by the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. Department of State for diplomatic personnel who must learn a language quickly and thoroughly. Emphasis is on learning to speak and to understand the spoken language. A typical course (equivalent to a college semester) includes an album of 10 to 12 audio cassettes (10 to 18 hours), recorded by native-born speakers, plus a 250-page textbook. 0 Serbo-Croatian $195 0 Japanese $185 0 Arabic (Saudi) $185 0 Slovak $185 $195 $185 0 Korean 0 Cantonese 0 Spanish $185 $185 0 Lakota 0 French $185 $185 0 Spanish Level II $165 0 1,atvian 0 French Level II $215 $225 0 Swahili $185 0 Lithuanian $135 0 German ' 0 Swedish $185 0 Mandarin $185 Gennan Level II $155 $185 0 Tagalog $295 0 Persian $185 El Greek 0 Thai $195 $185 $255 0 Polish O Hebrew $195 0 Turkish 0 Portuguese $215 0 Hindi (Interned) $185 0 Ukrainian $195 (Brazilian) $195 0 Hungarian 0 Vietnamese $225 0 Russian $255 $185 O Italian You can order now with a full 3-week money-back guarantee, by calling tollfree 1-800-243-1234 or by fax (203) 453-9774, or by mail by clipping this ad and sending with your name and address and a check or money order — or charge to any major credit card, by enclosing card number, expiration date, and your signature. Our 60-page Whole World Language Catalog offers courses in 91 languages. Call or write for your free copy. Our 23rd year. Audio-Forum, Suite P624, BUIDICI.FORIHN96 Broad St., Guilford, CT 06437 (203) 453-9794 THE LANGUAGE SOURCE
47
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http://www.earthlink.net/—brazzil 213 255-8062 NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
FEIRA LIVRE OPEN MARKET CLASSES
Portuguese classes - Individual & small groups. Relaxed, fun, but very efficient and personalized lessons. I'm a native Brazilian instructor with an university degree in languages. Try a free lesson. (415) 771-9474
masculinas e femininas. Tel. & Fax: (617) 787-0758.
Music Brazilian Music in its totality. Samba, bossa nova, chorinho, balk), axe, and more. Merchant Express - (800) 589-5884.
COOKING
PERSONAL
Best Selling Brazilian Cookbook -Delightful Brazilian Cooking by Eng Tie Ang. Over 130 authentic, quick and easy recipes. $14.95, plus $3.00 shipping and handling. P.O. Box 30818 - Seattle, WA 98103 - Phone and Fax (206) 789-3693.
29 year old gay American attorney wants to meet in-shape Brazilian men under 40. I'm 6'2", 210 lbs, and work out regularly. You be Brazilian, goodlooking and in-shape. Falo Portugues. (213) 663-5221
ENTERTAINMENT
The best Brazilian dance group in San Francisco & Bay Area with the performing experience in movies, clubs and other celebrations. Video available. Call (415) 312-8667. GENEALOGY
Family History — Discover your family's heritage! We specialize in helping you find your Brazilian and European ancestors. 11ós falamos Portugues! (801) 226-5177 JPM Family Roots. JOB OFFERED
US/International company in 30 countries is expanding to Brazil. No experience necessary. Will train. PIT $500- $2,000; F/ T $2,000 - $6,000 — (310) 3733681 See you at the top — Int. Co. seeking bilingual — Portuguese a plus — with positive and outgoing attitude motivated to reach top positions working w/ quality business people. Expansion throughout California. Training available. Call (310) 214-9727 JOB SOUGHT
Civil Engineer with Master's Degree offers services. (Substantial knowledge of computers and software.) (818) 507-1521. Writer/Production Assistant seeking employment with film/ TV production company or studio. Degreed. Computer literate. Well travelled. Resume/Ref available. Michael Dees (818) 759-2009 MAGAZINES & NEWSPAPERS
Jornais e revistas do Brasil. Recebemosiornais diarios etodas as principals revistas, incluindo NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
American businessman has lived in your country and loves your people, music, & dance. Desires friendship/romance with Brasileira between 22-30 years. Interests include yoga, health food, nature. Please write R.B. 1106 2nd St. #268, Encinitas, CA 92024. American Doctor, male, seeks Brazilian lady, 18-32 for fun and romance. Must be pretty. I'm very handsome and look Brazilian. (213) 293-8909. Los Angeles area. American Jewish man, 36, sincere, deep, fun, active, doctor, seeks Jewish lady under 35 with brown eyes and long dark hair, in Los Angeles area. (310) 2713168. American Plastic Surgeon. Internationally recognized. Attractive. Athletic. Has toured Brazil. Seeks intelligent, athletic, attractive, non smoking Brasileira who likes skin diving, aerobics, surfing, outdoor photography & cooking. Ages 22-30. Send photos and C.V. to G.M. - 2318 Washington - Great Bend, Kansas, 67530 - U.S.A. Americana 31, handsome, secure, seeks Brazilian lady 22-32 for lasting relationship. Eu falo Portugues. Send letter and photo to Brad, 5510 Sepulveda Blvd., Apt. #212, Sherman Oaks, CA 91411. Americano, 44, honest, romantic, seeks Brasileira 27-40. Likes your people, music, and dance. Falo Portugues. Letter & photo to Douglas, 18 Grand Rio Cir., Sacramento, CA 95826 Brasileiro, 31, busco outros rapazes 20-35 para amizade, etc. Los Angeles area. (213) 9698329 Brazilian guy, 27, looking for
FEIRA LIVRE RATES: 50e a word. Phone is one word. DISCOUNTS: For 3 times deduct 5%. tbr 6 times deduct 10%. for 12 times deduct 15%. POLICY: All ads to be prepaid. Ads are accepted at our discretion. Sorry, no credit card at this time. Your canceled check is your receipt. Please, include address and phone number. which \N ill be kept confidential. DEADLINE: The 15th of the month. Late material will be held for the following month if appropriate. TO PLACE AD: Send ad w ith check or money order to: News from Brazil P.O. Box 42536 Los Angeles, CA 90050-0536. friendship, collects post cards. Fabio — PO Box 9091, L.I.C. NY 11103-0904 French American guy looking for friendship withBrazilian men 35-55. (310) 659-3139 or write: Occupant, P.O. Box 16655, Beverly Hills, CA 90209 Good-looking gay American man looking for friendship with Brazilian men 18-30.1 am a successful 31 year old GWM looking for fun and romance with good-looking men. (408) 2362034 — Peter; 4960 Almaden Exp. #179; San Jose, CA 95118 Handsome gay American man wants gay male pen-pals from Rio and Brazil. Write Roberto — 1086 Post St. #309, San Francisco, CA 94109 USA L.A./Ph.D. - Loyal, funny and supportive seeks smart, loyal and young Brazilian lady age 28 to 35 for love and companionship. Write letter with photo to Dr. G. Martin - 1107 Fair Oaks #1134 South Pasadena, CA 91030 or call (213) 223-6100. Single American male seeks Brazilian women, 18-35 years old. I am 34 years old, healthy, attractive, romantic. Please send note & photo to: 2440 16th St. #I79, San Francisco, CA 94103. Sophisticated, attractive lady with Scandinavian art degree seeks professional, attractive 4758 man — non-American, non smoker—for love eventual marriage. (213) 851-2767 Successful, wealthy, good-looking marriage-minded romantic American comedy writer, 30, speaks a little Portuguese, seeks slender, intelligent, educated, English-speaking, nonsmoking, nonreligious brasileira in L.A. area. Note & photo to: Occupant, P.O. Box 3757, Santa Monica, CA 90408
PRINTING
Pyramid Press offers: typesetting, copy-editing, custom desktop publishing. Low rates! Call for estimate (310) 518-3425. PSYCHOTHERAPY
Emotional & psychological help - Elizabete Almeida MFCC licensed psychotherapist. English/Portuguese. Reasonable rates. (310) 281-7536. REAL ESTATE
BUYING, SELLING, RENTING - Let me assist you with all your Real Estate needs. Anywhere in the .U.S. through National Referral Services. Call Debora Jackson at (703) 5480700. McEnearney Associates Inc. FOR SALE - Brazil - 130 Acres - NE Coast near Recife. Country Inn, electricity, mineral springs, river, coconuts, cashews, mangos, some tropical forest. Space to plant acerola cherry (with yields of eight tons per acre), macadamia nuts; Hawaiian papaya. Price: $150,000. Phone: (310) 832-4367 SERVICES
Internet Consultant & Web Publisher: good multimedia home page design, sites, soft. etc. Internet: www.codd.com Tel.: (714)448-7645-Fax: (714) 831-1456 Silent's — Fine line tattoos. By appointment only. (310) 8428628, (310) 843-1377 or (619) 965-9655 TRANSLATION & INTERP.
J. Henry Phillips, simultaneous interpreter and ATA accredited Portuguese translator: (512) 8341941. Fax: (512) 834-0070. 49
ax y our Calendar in o to ( 213) 257-348 7, E-ma ilit to brazilnews • aol.com - ma il to P.O. Box 42536 L.A., CA 90050 or ca ll (213) 255-8062. Deadline: the 20th
calendar - december 95 - u.s.a. TV & RADIO COAST TO COAST TV Beautiful Brazil - Every Saturday, 9 PM (East Coast Time) with Goulart de Andrade on the International Channel (In Portuguese with English subtitles)
SHORT WAVE RADIO Radio Nacional da Amaz6nia - Daily, especially on evenings and early morning 6,180 & 11,780 Khz Radiobras -All universal time - From 12 noon to 1:20 PM, in English and from 1.30 PM to 2:50 PM, in Spanish - 15,445 Khz
BOSTON Coragao Brasileiro - Every Sunday, 12:00 noon with Dennis Miller -88.1 FM - WMBR
CHICAGO The Sounds of Brazil -Every Saturday, 10:00 pm -Midnight, 95 5 FM, WNUA with Scott Adams Show Brazil - Every Friday, 8:00 am - 11 00 am, 91.5 FM, WMFO with Edna Moreno Brazilian Style of Music Every Friday, 11 00 am - 2:00 pm, 91.5 FM, WMFO with Marlon Data°
LOS ANGELES Sounds of Brazil - Every Thursday, Noon - 2:00 pm, KPFK, 90.7 FM with Sergio Mielniczenko Brazilian Hour - Every Saturday and Sunday, 900 am 10 00 am, KXLU, 88 9 FM with Sergio Mielniczenko
MIAMI RAnI0 Brazilians Love Jazz - Every Sunday, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm with Gina Martelli - 93 9 Love 94
50
FRIDAY 1 MIAMI Today and tomorrow last two days of Women in the Arts with Eliane Thompson-Kronig at Miami Convention Center.
CENTURY CITY, CAL 8:00 PM - The Girls from Ipanema at The Century Club
BEVERLY HILLS 10:30 PM - Katia Moraes at Bokaos (310) 659-1200
FRIDAY 8 LOS ANGELES 10:30 PM - Meia Noite & The Midnight Drums featuring Katia Moraes at Luna Park — 665 N Robertson, West Hollywood (310) 652-0611
ANAHEIM, CAL.
CENTURY CITY, CAL
7:00 PM - Marcos Santos at Ginga Brazil
8:00 PM - The Girls from lpanema at The Century Club
SATURDAY 2 PASADENA, CAL
7:00 PM - Kleber Jorge at Ginga Brazil
5:00 PM - Cheremoya Escola de Samba at Pasadena Posada Procession (213) 464-1722
ANAHEIM, CAL. 7:00 PM - Lois & Zelao at Ginga Brazil
SUNDAY 3 POMPANO BEACH, FL 7:00 PM - Pagode at Panorama -(305) 784-8136
LONG BEACH, CAL. 7.00 PM - SambaLa Dancers and music group at the Foothill
SAN DIEGO, CAL 3:30 PM - San Diego Samba School at Cafe Sevilla 10:00 PM - Sambrasil at Cafe Sevilla
MONDAY 4 NEW YORK 6:00 PM - Abolicao (1988), a documentary by Zbzimo Babul at The Contemporary African Diaspora Film Festival (212) 749-6020
WEDNESDAY 6 CARMEL, CAL. 7:00 PM - Art Expo "A Touch of Affection" by Jose Ernesto Bologna starts at Vila Antiga -(408) 626-6207
THURSDAY 7 BERKELEY, CAL. 9:00 PM - Carla° & guitar at Nino s
SANTA MONICA, CAL. 10:00 PM -Marcos Santos at 14 Below
ANAHEIM, CAL. SATURDAY 9 ANAHEIM, CAL 7:00 PM - Sergio 2000 at Ginga Brazil
STUDIO CITY, CAL 9:30 PM - Katia Moraes at La Ve Lee
SUNDAY 10 POMPANO BEACH, FLOR. 7:00 PM - Pagode at Panorama - (305) 784-8136
LONG BEACH, CAL. 7:00 PM -SambaLa Dancers and music group at the Foothill
SAN DIEGO, CAL. 3:30 PM -San Diego Samba School at Café Sevilla 10:00 PM - Sambrasil at Cafe Sevilla
TUESDAY 12 LOS ANGELES 8:00 PM - Feijoada Completa Orchestra featuring Katia Moraes at Atlas 3760 Wilshire Blvd (213) 380-8400
THURSDAY 14 BERKELEY, CAL. 9:00 PM - Carla() & guitar at Nino's
SANTA MONICA, CAL. 10:00 PM - Katia Moraes at 14 Below FRIDAY 15 CENTURY CITY, CAL. 8:00 PM - The Girls from lpanema at The Century Club
ANAHEIM, CAL 7:00 PM - Kleber Jorge at Ginga Brazil
SATURDAY 16 ANAHEIM, CAL. 7:00 PM - Lois & Zelao at Ginga Brazil
NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
SUNDAY 17 POMPANO BEACH, FLOR.
17:00 PM - Pagode at Panorama - (305) 784-8136
LONG BEACH, CAL.
SAN DIEGO, CAL. 3:30 PM - San Diego Samba Schoolat Café Sevilla 10:00 PM - Sambrasil at Café Sevilla
17:00 PM - SambaLa dancers and music group at the Foothill
THURSDAY 28 BERKELEY, CAL.
SAN DIEGO, CAL.
9:00 PM - Carla° & guitar at Nino's
-3:30 PM - San Diego Samba School at Café Sevilla 10:00 PM - Sambrasil at Café Sevilla
THURSDAY 21 BEVERLY HILLS 10:30 PM - Katia Moraes at Bokaos (310) 659-1200
BERKELEY, CAL.
SANTA MONICA, CAL. 10:00 PM - Katia Moraes at 14 Below
FRIDAY 29 CENTURY CITY, CAL. 8:00 PM - The Girls from Ipanema at The Century Club
ANAHEIM, CAL.
19:00 PM - Carla° & guitar at Nino's
SANTA MONICA, CAL.
10:00 PM - Lula &the Afro Brazil Band .at 14 Below
FRIDAY 22 CENTURY CITY, CAL.
18:00 PM - The Girls from lpanema at The Century Club
7:00 PM - Marcos Santos at Ginga Brazil
SATURDAY 30 STUDIO CITY, CAL 9:30 PM - Katia Moraes at La Ve Lee
ANAHEIM, CAL.
-7:00 PM - Kleber Jorge at Ginga Brazil
7:00 PM - Lois & Zelao at Ginga Brazil
SATURDAY 23 ANAHEIM, CAL.
SUNDAY 31 LOS ANGELES
ANAHEIM, CAL.
7:00 PM - Marcos Santos at Ginga Brazil
SUNDAY 24 LOS ANGELES
8:00 PM -Christmas Party atZabumba
8:00 PM - New Year's Eve Party at Zabumba 9:00 PM - Katia Moraes at Luna Park's New Year's Eve celebration — 665 N Robertson, West Hollywood (310) 652-0611
POMPANO BEACH, FLOR.
POMPANO BEACH, FL.
7:00 PM - Pagode at Panorama -(305) 784-8136
7:00 PM - Pagode at Panorama - (305) 784-8136
LONG BEACH, CAL.
SAN DIEGO, CAL.
7:00 PM - SambaLa dancers and music group at the Foothill
3:30 PM - San Diego Samba School at Cafe Sevilla 10:00 PM - Sambrasil at Café Sevilla
ANAHEIM
saga Brazil - 821 N. Euclid, 14) 778-0266
,..OS ANGELES
Below- 1348 14th St., Santa ionica - (310) 451-5040 iif Danssa - 11533W. Pico . West LA.- (310) 478-7866 oothill - 1922 Cherry Ave. ungBeach - (310) 983-9190 NEWS from BRAZIL - DF_CEMBER 1995
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calendar - december 95 - u.s.a.
La Ve Lee- 12514 Ventura Bl. - Studio City - (818) 980-8158 Century Club - 10131 Constellation B1.-(310) 553-6000 Zabumba -10717 Venice Blvd Culver City - (310) 841-6525
SAN DIEGO Café Sevilla - (619) 233-5979
S. FRANCISCO
Aioli - 469 Bush Street San Francisco- (415)2490900 Ashkenaz - 1317 San Pablo Ave.-Berkeley (510) 525-5054 Bahia Cabana - 1600 Market St. - S. Fco. (415) 861-4202 Chambord - 152 Kearney St. S. Francisco (415) 434-3688 Nino's - 1916 Martin L. King Jr., Berkeley (510) 845,-9303
TV & RADIO TV BIN (Brazilian TV Network) - 11:00 pm - 1 00 am, DCI ch 40, S South ch 51, Adelphia ch. 52, Gold Coast ch 99 Luqui Corporation - Jornal Bandeirantes - 11:00 pm 1:00 am, Dynamic ch. 20, S South ch 41, Gold Coast ch 44, DCI ch 45
NEW YORK RADIO Brasil corn S - Every Saturday, 9.00 PM with Judith King, 88.3 FM - WBGO Brazil Street Samba - Every Friday, 10. 00 PM with Leo Costa &Alberto Lopes -89.9 FM - WKCR Radio Amazonia - Every day, 6.30 PM on short wave-6.185 MHZ
TV Brazil Update - Every Saturday, 3. 30 PM - Channel 69 Brazilians in America-TV Every Sunday, 5:30 PM Channel 16
S. FRANCISCO Agora Brasil - Every Saturday, 3.00 PM - 4:00 PM, KPFA, 94.0 FM with Elvira Cola and Eric Taller Brasileirinho - Every Wednesday, 9:30 PM, KZSC, 88.1 FM with Renato Frota Canta, Brasil - Every Sunday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM KKUP, 91.5 FM, with Xuxu, Maria Jose and David Heyman Programa de Domingo Every Sunday, 100 PM - 2 00 PM, KSQC) 96 1 FM with Lino Bugatti A Taste of Brazil - Every Sunday, 10.00 PM - 11:00 PM, KKSF, 103.7 with Dick Conte Tropicalia Brasiliana - Every Friday, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM, KUSF, 90.3 with Raimundo Franco
51
Boston Area Books Livraria Plenitude (800) 532-5809 Consulate Consulado G. do Brasil (617) 617-542-4000 Dentist Sylvio P. Lessa (617) 924-1882 Food & Products Aqui Brazil (617) 787-0758 Brasil Brasil (617) 561-6094 Jerry's Cachaca (617) 666-5410 Instruction Braz. & Amer. Lg. Inst. (617) 787-7716 Music Brazil CDs (617) 524-5030 Publications The Brazilian Monthly (617) 566-3651 Restaurants Café Brazil (617) 789-5980 Tropicilia (617) 567-4422 Pampas Churrascaria (617) 661-6613
Chicago Consulate Consulado G. do Brasil (312) 464-0244 Translations Portuguese Lang. Ctr. (312) 276-6683
Los Angeles Accountant Sheila Shanker (310) 836-3436 Airlines Varig (800) GO VARIG Vasp (310) 364-0160 Arts & Crafts Bakari Art Studio (213) 938-0523 Folk Creations (310) 693-2844 Uniquely Brazil - Folk (818) 458-1474 Zebi Designs (310) 391-6530 Auto Repair Cosmo Auto Parts (213) 259-9818 Banks Banco do Brasil (213) 688-2996 Catering Joy's Catering (310) 438-3415 Remi Vila Real (818) 280-0061 Clothes Samba (310) 983-9190 Summer Brazil (310) 455-1772 Clubs & Associations Brazil-Cal. Chbr of Corn. (310) 202-6820 52
Centro Cultural Gaucho (213) 256-6548 Clube Bras. da Calif. (714) 857-6764 MILA - Samba School (310) 391-6098 SambaLi -Esc. de Samba (310) 983-9190 Computer Henriques - Maintenance (818) 767-5153 Consulate Brazilian Consulate (213) 651-2664 Dentists Gilberto Henriques (213) 464-0524 Jose Carlos D. Polido (714) 848-9200 Events Promotion Brazilian Nites Prod. (818) 566-1111 Pegasus - Parties & Ent. (818) 549-0383 Ricardo Gehr (818) 831-0992 Food & Products Brazilian Market (310) 827-9139 Import/Export Brazil "R" US (310) 607-9771 N & R International (909) 626-3656 Instruction Brasil Brasil Cult. Ctr (310) 397-3667 Modern Lang. Center (310) 839-8427 Legal Services Meiojas & Ferraz (310) 360-0901 Music Bossa Nova - Georgia (818) 891-0912 Braz. Jazz /All Occasions (310) 839-3788 Jazz - Richard Samuels (818) 798-5424 Physician Paulo Coharte (310) 285-9670 Decio Rangel (310) 828-7454 Ingrid Rodi - Gynec. (310) 451-8144 Nilson A. Santos (213) 483-3430 Psychother/Counsel. Elizabeth Almeida MA. (310) 281-7536 Fatima Castro (310) 822-6770 Dr. Jefferson SO (818) 592-0402 Publications News from Brazil (213) 255-4953 Real Estate Cent. 21 - Solon Pereira (310) 633-0787 Cold. Banker - J. Freitas (818) 304-9562 Restaurants & Cafes Bossa Nova (310) 657-5070 Brazilian Tropical (714) 720-1522 By Brazil (310) 787-7520 Café Brasil (310) 837-8957 Ginga Brasil (714) 778-0266 Lulu's Alibi (310) 479-6007 Rio Grande (818) 376-0202
Yolie's Brazilian Steak (714) 251-0722 Zabumba (310) 841-6525 Translation/Interp. Brazilian Int. Affairs (310) 854-5881 Tocantins Communic. (818) 248-3667 Travel/Tours Around the World Trl. (800) 471-6333 Brazil Air (800) 441-8515 Brazil Tours (818) 767-1200 Cheviot Hills Travel (310) 202-6264 F & H - Hotel Repres. (800) 544-5503 Heliview - Helicopter (805)297-3691
Miami Airlines Transbrasil (800) 872-3153 Yang (800) 468-2744 Vasp (800) 732-8277 Banks Banco do Brasil (305) 358-3586 Banco Nacional (305) 372-0100 Banco Real (305) 358-2433 Banespa (305) 358-9167 Clubs & Associations ABFC - As. Bras. da Flew. (407) 354-5200 Cam. Corn. Brasil- EUA (305) 579-9030 ARARA - Amazon. As. (813) 842-3161 Consulate Consulado do Brasil (305) 285-6200 Dentists Arnaldo Souza (305) 595-3238 Hedimo de Si (305) 262-8212 Food & Beverages All Braz. Imp. & Exp. (305) 523-8134 Guarani Esteves (305) 345-1540 Via Brasil (305) 866-7718 Physicians Dr. Jorge Macedo (305) 271-7311 Dr. Mario Sanches (305) 541-7819 Dr. Neri Franzon (305) 776-1412 Publications Florida Review (305) 374-5235 Restaurants Brazilian Tropicana (305) 781-1113 Brazilian Delight (305) 374-0032 Brazilian Pie (305) 866-1001 Cheese Bread House (305) 443-5358 Gula Gula (305) 532-3636 Travel Agencies Brazilian Wave (305) 561-3788 Discover Brazil Tours (800) 524-3666 Euroamerica (305) 358-3003
International Tours (800) 822-1318 Luma Travel (305) 374-8635 Monark Travel (305) 374-5855 New Port Tours (305) 372-5007 Venture Travel (305) 379-7678 Via Brasil Travel (305) 866-7580
New York New Jersey Books Luso-Brazilian Books (800) 727-LUSO Clubs & Associations Brazilian Ch. of Corn. (212) 575-9030 Brazilian Corn. Bureau (212) 916-3200 Brazilian Trade Bur. (212) 224-6280 Consulate Brazilian Gen. Cons. (212) 757-3080 Food & Products Amaz6nia (718) 204-1521 Coisa Nossa (201) 578-2675 Merchant Express (201) 589-5884 Publications The Brasilians (212) 382-1630 Brazilian Voice (201) 955-1137 Portugal-Brasil News (212) 228-2958 Samba Newsletter (718) 937-0574 Restaurants Brasilia (212) 869-9200 Brazil 2000 (212) 877-7730 Brazilian Pavillion (212) 758-8129 Cabana Carioca (212) 581-8088 Indigo Blues (212) 221-0033
s.o.B.
(212) 243-4940 Travel Agencies Barb Tour Service (201) 313-0996 International Sandfly (718) 699-2900 Mystical Destinations (718) 956-1630 Nascente Travel (718) 545-0608 Odyssea Travel Service (212) 826-3019 Santos Dumont Int. (212) 764-5680
San Diego Attorney Ivan Porto (800) 314-4826 Clubs & Associations Clube Bras. San Diego (619) 295-0842 Sunday Night Cl. Brazil (619) 222-6911 Import/Export Brazil Imports (619) 234-3401 Money Remittance Vigo-California (619) 479-V1GO
San Francisco Area Airlines Varig (415) 986-5737 Vasp (800) 732-VASP Attorney Ralph Baker (510) 444-8100 Auto Nelson Auto Body (415) 255-6717 Matti Auto Body (415) 565-3560 Banks Banco do Brasil (415) 398-4814 Beauty Salon Bibbo (415) 421-BIBO Carmen's International (415) 433-9441 , Dalven Hair Design (415) 433-7646 Neyde's (415) 681-5355 Bike Repair West Bike (415) 241-9125 Clubs B.A.S.O. (415) 661-2788 Bay Area Brasilian Club (415) 334-0106 Computer Micronet (415) 665-1994 Consulate Brazilian Consulate (415) 981-8170 Dance Instruction Aqua rela (510) 548-1310 Brazil Culture & Arts (510) 215-8202 Ginga Brasil (510) 428-0698 Escola Nova de Samba (415) 661-4798 Samba do Coracao (415) 826-2588 Samba, Swing & Suor (415) 282-7378 Dental Care Roberto Sales, DDS (510) 451-8315 Food Brazilian Coffee Dist. (415) 648-5966 California Produce (415) 586-6200 HGC Imp. Wholesale (408) 947-8511 Instruction Portuguese - A. Frame (510) 339-9289 Portuguese Lang. Serv. (415) 587-4990 Money Remittance Via Brazil (415) 673-0262 Vigo (415) 863-0218 West Brazil (415) 695-9258 Music Fogo na Roupa (510) 464-5999
Marcos Silva (510) 945-0138 Terra Sul (415) 752-9782 Viva Brazil (415) 342-8508 Voz do Brazil (415) 586-2276 Musical Instruments Tamborim & Samba (415) 871-2201 Physician Dr. Guilherme Salgado (415) 832-6219 Printing M. C. Printing (510) 268-8967 Publications Brazil Today (510) 223-5190 News from Brazil (415) 648-5966 Restaur./Night Clubs Bahia Cabana (415) 861-4202 Café do Brasil (415) 626-6432 Café Mardi Gras (415) 864-6788 Canto do Brasil (415) 626-8727 Little Rio (415) 441-3344 Michelangelo Café (415) 986-4058 Nine's (510) 845-9303 Taqueria Goyaz (415) 821-4600 Soccer Sunset Soccer Supply (415) 753-2666 Translation Port. Lang. Services (415) 587-4990 Raimundo Franco (415) 285-8364 Travel Agencies Rio Roma (415) 921-3353 Santini Tours (510) 843-2363 Tucanos Travel (415) 454-9961
ashington DC Area Airlines Transbrasil (202) 775-9180 Varig (202) 331-8913 Vasp (202) 822-8277 Banks Banco do Brasil (202) 857-0320 Banco do Est. de S. Paulo (202) 682-1151 Clubs & Associations Braz. Am. Cult. Inst. (202) 362-8334 Inst. of Brazil. Business (202) 994-5205 Embassy Embaixada do Brasil (202) 745-2700 Travel Agencies Intern. Discount Travel (703) 750-0101 Washington Travel (703) 527-6977
NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
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An excerpt
Yellow Christmas While most of the Northern hemisphere celebrates Christmas under snow and warm clothes, Brazil at this time is sweating under the summer sun. Despite that, Brazilians have adopted some European and American Yuletide traditions. But they also have their own customs that include Nativity scenes, Missa do Gab, barbecues and beach bashes. REBECCA A. LAUER For most of us the word Christmas conjures up images of snowy landscapes, frosty mornings, sleigh bells, and snowmen. But mention Christmas to a Brazilian, and a different picture emerges. A Brazilian may talk about attending an outdoor midnight Mass or celebrating Christmas Day with a barbecue or a pig roast. The children may talk about plans for spending their summer vacation from school swimming and sunbathing. In Brazil, Christmas arrives at the beginning of summer. There's no snow, no freezing temperatures, and no need to bundle up the little ones in warm clothes. From Decemher through March — Brazilian summertime — temperatures range from 70° F to more than 100° F (21° C to 38° C). This is the season when Brazilians enjoy outdoor activities such as picnicking and sailing. In Rio de Janeiro and other cities along the coast, office workers may take a walk to the beach on their lunch hour, while crowds of Christmas shoppers wearing shorts and T-shirts throng the streets. But in spite of the heat. Santa Claus -- or Papai Noel as he is known in Brazil—wears the traditional fur-trimmed red suit, big black boots, and long white beard. No one seems to think it strange that Papai Noel greets children in the tropical heat all bundled up for winter. It's just one of
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NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
the delightful contradictions so characteristic of Brazil and its customs. These contradictions result in part from importing European traditions to a tropical country. The Christmas season, as it is celebrated in Brazil today, is a colorful mixture of Portuguese-Catholic, African, and Indian traditions. Hundreds of years ago, the Portuguese brought Christmas to Brazil, and Portuguese traditions still dominate the nation's Christmas celebrations today. However, the native Indian population and the descendants of the Africans brought to Brazil as slaves have also had an impact on the nation's Christmas customs. The Indian and African influence is reflected primarily in the celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas, from December 25th through January 6th — Three Kings' Day. During this time, Brazilians participate in a range of activities that reflect the different origins of Brazil's people. On Christmas Eve, many people attend the Roman Catholic midnight Mass known as the Missa do Gab o (Mass of the Rooster). One week later, on New Year's Eve, many Brazilians flock to Copacabana beach and participate in an African spiritualist ceremony that honors Iemanja., the goddess of the sea. These different ceremonies and religious observances are a result of the merging of many cultures. Over the centuries, the dominant Portuguese group intermarried with the African and Indian peoples to create a distinctly unique —and Brazilian — national character. To fully understand the range and spirit of the Brazilian Christmas season, it is helpful to know something about these people, their history, and the land in which they live. In 1500, Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral landed on the coast of Brazil and, thinking it was an island, claimed it for Portugal. During the 1530's, Portuguese colonists began to settle Brazil, and by 1549, a colonial government was established in the region. The colonists in the northeast soon established large sugar plantations. The Portuguese controlled Brazil until 1630, when the Dutch invaded what is now the state of Pernambuco. In 1654, however, the Portuguese ousted the Dutch and regained control. Portugal then ruled Brazil from afar until 1807, when France invaded Portugal, forcing the Portuguese royal family to flee to Brazil. Portuguese emperors then ruled the nation from Rio de Janeiro until 1889, when it was declared a republic. Since then, Brazil has had a succession of governments and suffered much political unrest and upheaval. Today, Brazil is a Federal Republic, with a civilian government consisting of a president, a congress, and a court system. However, the centuries of Portuguese dominance have had a profound influence on every aspect of Brazilian life. Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. The name Brazil came from the Portuguese word pau-brasil, the name for a kind of tree native to the country. When
NEWS from BRAZIL-DECEMBER 1995
Brazilians wish each other "Merry Christ. mas," they say it in Portuguese: Felt Natal.. The PortugUese also introduced their religion to Brazil. Today, Brazil has the largest Catholic population of any country in the world — about 85 per cent of the people are Roman Catholic. Christmas is one of the holiest days of the year in' Brazil. Nativity scenes depicting the birthl of Jesus Christ grace churches and cathedrals, and most Brazilian homes have their own treasured Nativity scenes as well. Long before the arrival of the Portuguese, a substantial Indian population lived in what is now Brazil. Anthropologists believe these people probably came from Asia or the Pacific Islands. Hunters and farmers, these native Indians are the only true Brazilians. Although their numbers have dwindled to only about 200,000, they represent the largest Indian population in Latin America today. Beginning in the late 1500's, the Portuguese brought African slaves to work on their sugar and coffee plantations. Over the years, intermarriage resulted in the blending of these various cultures. The arrival of Poles, Germans, Italians, and Japanese and other Asians in the 1800's added to the ethnic mix and, today, Brazil is one of the largest "melting pots" in the world. The nation has a population of 150 million people distributed over a far-reaching and varied landscape. The largest country in South America, Brazil is also home to the world's biggest tropical rain forest. Mountains border the forests in the north and the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast. The mighty Amazon River winds through the green jungles of the interior. Dry plains and low plateaus lie in northeast, central and southern Brazil. Fabulous beaches and fine harbors stretch along Brazil's 6,019 miles (9,687 kilometers) of coastline, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Brazil's land area is larger than the continental United States. In such a vast country, regional variations on the traditional Christmas theme abound. In the south, for instance, where pine trees grow in abundance, most people decorate a real tree for Christmas. But in northern Brazil, where pine trees are rare, most people buy an artificial Christmas tree rather than import a fresh one. However, the basic traditions do not vary, and Christmas is celebrated with typical Brazilian enthusiasm in every part of the country. Christmas in Brazil, inherited as it is from the Portuguese, is much like Christmas in America and Europe. Christmas cards are sent, gifts are exchanged, and shops and malls are decorated with festive displays. Brilliant Christmas lights brighten the city streets. In Brazilian homes, where the Nativity scene is a must, a lavish Christmas feast is served and Santa Claus brings the children gifts. For many Brazilians, Christmas is a private and holy occasion shared with close friends and family. Brazilians celebrate Christmas with the same vibrant enthusiasm that they bring
to all their festivities. Brazilians are renowned for their lively, free-spirited, and colorful celebrations, including the famous Carnaval — a four-day pre-Lenten festival that is said to be the most spectacular event of its kind. As a people, the Brazilians have elevated having a good time into an art form, dancing and singing into the night with seemingly boundless energy. Many Brazilians attend midnight Mass, where priests tell the age-old story of the coming of Christ, the meaning of Christmas, and the rreed for universal peace and brotherhood. Midnight services are often very beautiful — the churches are lit with hundreds of candles and decorated with flowers, wreaths, and garlands. After midnight Mass, the children are put to bed, and the adults often stay up till all hours of the night, drinking coffee, enjoying conversation, or joining in music and song. Brazilians are a very musical people, famous for introducing the bossa nova (new beat) to the world. And Christmas is a special holiday — the birthday of the infant Jesus. This holy day is celebrated in true Brazilian style, with singing and possibly some dancing as well. And if the festivities last all night long — that's Christmas in Brazil!
The Celebrations Begin Christmas in Brazil is a festive season arriving at a festive time of year — summer. Combined with the Brazilian enthusiasm for celebrations, the tropical temperatures make Christmas in Brazil unique — a special time with a magic all its own. Like people in Europe and North America, Brazilians start preparing for Christmas well in advance of the holiday. The first signs of Christmas appear early in December when the streets and office buildings of the larger Brazilian cities are dressed up with Christmas lights and decorations. At night, cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Brasilia — the capital of Brazil — glitter with white and multicolored Christmas lights. During the day, window displays in the shops and malls announce that Christmas is just around the corner. These displays range from a simple Christmas tree painted on a window to elaborate creations that rival those seen in department store windows in America and Europe. Some displays include life-sized figures of the Holy Family, with the Three Wise Men offering gifts. The figures of he Wise Men may be animated, moving ack and forth to offer frankincense and yrrh to the Christ Child. Papai Noel, ith his reindeer and elves, may also be nimated. Brazilians and tourists alike may make special trip downtown to see these enhanting displays. It isn't until the middle of December, however, that Christmas preparations — and celebrations — begin li n earnest. One of the most spectacular events is the arrival of Papai Noel. Every year, around the middle of December, thousands of children gather in Maracana Sta-
55
dium, Rio de Janeiro's largest stadium, to watch and wait for Papai Noel. He's definitely on his way — but not in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Brazil's Papai Noel arrives by helicopter. He lands in the middle of a colorful landing pad, amid loud cries and shouts. The children, who can contain themselves no longer, break away from their parents and run to greet Papai Noel. He is quickly surrounded by thousands of wideeyed, happy children. After shaking their hands and wishing them "Boas Festas," Papai Noel passes out gifts. The children receive water pistols, balloons, whistles, or other small toys. Afterward, Papai Noel makes his way to the nearby stage — it's time for a singalong. Accompanied by local singers and musicians, Papai Noel starts to sing and the crowd joins in. Maracana Stadium is filled with the sounds of Christmas carols, popular Brazilian tunes, and favorite children's songs. Although the largest event of this kind takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Papai Noel arrives by helicopter in other large cities too. It is an event that draws people from miles around, and the children look forward to it every year. Many of them will remember it for years to come. Another impressive tradition in Brazil is the Auto de Natal, or Act of Christmas, an outdoor Christmas play held every year in Rio de Janeiro. Although it has been part of Rio's Christmas festivities for only about ten years, it has a devoted following and draws a large crowd. Every year thousands of Cariocas, as the people of Rio are called, come to see this colorful drama. The Auto de Natal is usually held in downtown Rio in a large outdoor theater called the Arcos da Lapa. Admission is free, so even the poorest Carioca can enjoy this Christmas play. In fact, the play is usually about poor children living in Brazil today, and these heart-warming pageants serve as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. In a country where Roman Catholicism predominates, the religious aspect of Christmas is very strong. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the presepios, or Nativity scenes, that are displayed throughout Brazil. Christmas in Brazil wouldn't be Christmas without the Nativity scene — one of the most important of all Brazilian traditions. All the churches and almost every Brazilian home puts up a presepio. In the northern regions, where the Catholic faith is especially strong, the presepio is far more important than either Papai Noel or the Christmas tree. For northern people, Christ's birth is the real celebration; and since the presepio represents that event, it holds a place of honor in their homes. In some regions of Brazil, the people add Brazilian fruits to their Nativity scenes. Never mind that these tropical fruits were never seen in Bethlehem. Pineapples, bananas, and red mangoes are placed on the desert sand, or even inside
the manger with the Baby Jesus. For Brazilians, this makes the presepio more colorful and interesting. Many Brazilian presepios are handmade every year, using everyday household items. Mountains are made out of papier mache or even out of paper bags from the grocery store. A mirror may serve as a lake, with the handle covered in straw to maintain the illusion. A china goose may be placed on the mirror to create an interesting reflection. Bright-colored sawdust becomes desert sand or the floor of the manger. Small pieces of fresh pine trees are added, as well as miniature artificial trees. In the northern regions, mountains and figures might be created from clay and earthenware. Especially ambitious Brazilians create new figures of the Holy Family every year. These may be lightly painted, or dressed in doll clothes. The overall effect may be simple or splendid, depending upon the skill of the builders. Many Brazilian presepios are works of art — beautifully arranged, with every detail in place. Still others may look somewhat comical because no two figures are the same size — the baby Jesus may tower over his parents, or a sheep may be much larger than a camel. However, such details do not concern the Brazilians. Creating the presepio is a national pastime, and if everyone has a good time making the Nativity scene, that's all that counts. Certainly the children enjoy themselves immensely, adding their own artistic touches to the family presepio. In some families, the Nativity scene may be so large that it fills a whole room, while others are small and simple. Most fall somewhere inbetween, and would fit comfortably on a coffee table. Frequently, the presepio is placed near the Christmas tree. In some parts of Brazil, the presepio is set up early in December, while in others, especially in the south, it is not put up until the day before Christmas. And if the scene is elaborate, one or two family members may spend all day working on it to make sure that the presepio is ready by Christmas Eve. No matter what the end result is, the presepio is cherished by everyone. Most family members have taken part in its creation, even if only to add a pine branch or a toy windmill, and so everyone feels a strong sense of pride in their Nativity scene. Many children take an even more active role in this ancient religious drama by participating in school Nativity plays. These amateur dramas bring the age old story of Mary, Jesus, and Joseph alive for children and parents alike. Not only do the children enjoy dressing up as these important personages, but parents and teachers find it is an effective way to teach young people about the true meaning of Christmas. In addition, many Brazilians observe the religious aspects of Christmas by giving to the poor and underprivileged. The Roman Catholic Church sponsors many fund-raising events at Christmas, often in conjunction with other church organizations and Protestant missions. This unity is especially appropriate since Christmas Day
in Brazil is officially known as the day of spiritual union among all churches. A law in Brazil known as the "13th salary" or "Christmas bonus- helps make Christmas more affordable for everyone. This law ensures that every Brazilian worker receives an extra month's pay at Christmastime. Sometimes half of the "13th salary" will be distributed in November, and the other half in December. Introduced in the early 1960's when President Joao Goulart was in office, it is a popular law in Brazil. The -13th salary" gives people the extra money they need for Christmas gifts and celebrations. It is a welcome addition to the family income. In recent years, a gift-giving tradition known as Amigo Secreto or "Secret Friend" has become popular. In this tradition, a group of friends, co-workers, schoolchildren, or family members write their names on pieces of paper and put the names in a bowl. Then everyone draws a name. No one reveals who their -secret friend" is. It's strictly confidential. Then each person buys a gift for the person whose name they drew. On Christmas Eve, when the gifts are opened, people find out who drew their name. However, office workers may open their gifts a few days before Christmas, and schoolchildren may exchange gifts before school closes for summer vacation. Often the Amigo Secreto gifts are "gag" gifts, and office workers and schoolchildren may try to see who can give the most outrageous presents. Often, the gift is something that obviously does not fit the person it was selected for, such as tiny clothes for a six-foot-tall man, or cigars for a non-smoker. Everyone has a good time laughing along with the person who has received the funniest gift. Sometimes there are two rounds of gifts — the first with funny gifts, the second with more appropriate ones. At this time of year, Brazilians are also busy writing and sending Christmas cards to friends and acquaintances. True to the traditional European Christmas, many Brazilian Christmas cards still show winter scenes. Numerous cards depict Santa with his reindeer, gliding across snow afoot deep. Many cards show Christmas trees covered with snowflakes, or children bundled up in warm clothes, even though these scenes do not reflect Christmas in Brazil. This custom is beginning to change, and it is now possible to find Christmas cards with sandy beaches and palm trees, or Christmas trees without snow. But even though these are more representative of Brazil, most Brazilians still send traditional Christmas cards with scenes of a white Christmas. Following another interesting custom, Brazilians may not send their cards out until after Christmas. In Brazil, Christmas greetings encompass the entire twelve days of Christmas — from December 25th through January 6th, Three Kings' Day. So receiving a card from a friend after both Christmas and New Year's Day have
NEWS from BRAZIL - DECEMBER 1995
passed is common. Of course, many Brazilians do send their cards so that they arrive closer to the holidays, but no apologies are made — or needed—for belated greetings. Most carry the message "Boas Festas," or -Happy Holidays," and are welcomed at any time during the twelve days of Christmas. As the days get closer to Christmas, Brazilians start to think about putting up their Christmas trees. In some families and in some parts of the country, the tree is put up a week before Christmas. In southern Brazil, however, the tree is not put up until Christmas Eve. The tree itself and the decorations also vary from region to region. In northern Brazil, for example, pine trees are rare, so most people put up artificial trees. These trees are generally small, and come in every color. They may be gold, silver, blue, white, red, or even purple, and they are usually set on a small table. These artificial Christmas trees are decorated with bright metallic ornaments of every color, and an angel is often placed on the very top of the tree. Beautifully crafted handmade ornaments such as clay figurines are also hung on the tree, and brightred poinsettias add even more color. Even though it is warm and balmy in Brazil, the decorations suggest the traditional white Christmas. Puffs of white cotton on the branches of the tree — and often under it as well — make it look like snow has fallen. In the south of Brazil, many of the same decorations are used, but real pine trees are plentiful in the south. People go out and select their tree, just as people do in the eastern and northern areas of the United States. However, few people chop down their own tree. They generally buy one from a vendor. Their trees are usually large, stretching from floor to ceiling, and they are often decorated with real candles —placed very carefully in special holders that protect the pine needles from the flames. Beautifully lit with dozens of flickering candles, such a Christmas tree can make a whole room come alive. With the addition of metallic balls, poinsettias, and handmade figurines, the result is spectacular. In the southern region of Brazil, decorating the tree is primarily the job of the parents. Usually the mother and father set up the tree behind locked doors, and the children aren't allowed to see it until it is finished. For the children, of course, the anticipation is almost unbearable. Some may try peeking through the keyhole to get a glimpse. But at last all the candles are lit, and the children are allowed to see the Christmas tree in all its splendor. In most other regions of Brazil, the tree is put up at least a week before Christmas, and the whole family helps decorate it. Everyone in the family gets a chance to hang an ornament or place a bright-red poinsettia flower on the tree. This time of year is especially exciting for children — it is only a matter of days now before Papai Noel arrives and there will be gifts under the tree. If the children
NEWS from BRAZIL, DECEMBER 1995
didn't get the chance to see Papai Noel when he arrived by helicopter, they will certainly pay him a visit in the last week or two before Christmas. All over Brazil, Papai Noel can be seen at local shopping areas and malls. Even in rural areas, children can go and sit on Papai Noel's lap. To many children in Brazil, Papai Noel is not just a mythical, mysterious character who brings presents on Christmas Eve and is never seen or heard. Papai Noel is a real personality to most Brazilian children, perhaps because of his frequent appearances. Parents often hire people — or ask their friends — to dress up as Papai Noel and pay the children a visit. It's no wonder many children feel like they know Papai Noel personally. As Christmas draws nearer, only days away, everyone makes last-minute preparations. There are still a few gifts to buy, and new clothes and shoes must be purchased for the children. Many Brazilians decide to treat themselves to a cesta de Natal, or Christmas basket. The cestas de Natal are colorful, festive baskets made of wood and straw and stuffed with practically every kind of food and drink required for a scrumptious Christmas feast. The basket may contain fine wine, champagne, or whiskey, and irresistible treats such as chocolates, nuts, and sweets. Dried fruits and canned goods nestle under the colorful cellophane wrapping. The baskets come in every price range — from the simple and inexpensive to the elaborate and costly. Almost everyone can find something affordable. Preparing for the Christmas feast also means buying a turkey — a traditional Christmas dish for many Brazilians. In the rural areas, an old tradition calls for feeding a live turkey a sugary rum called cachaca. This is done on the day before Christmas to tenderize the meat. The turkey is allowed to drink the cachaca until it is full. When the turkey has consumed a large amount, it is promptly killed. Brazilians have many sayings that stem from this tradition. For example, if a person is unduly worried about a problem or situation, a friend might say, "Only the turkey dies the day before." This idiomatic saying means, "Don't worry. Things always happen in their proper time." Another saying related to this tradition is, "To die the day before like a turkey." This means to be anxious, to be in a very bad way. By the time the turkey is purchased for Christmas dinner, Christmas Eve may be only a day or two away. Soon it will be time to open presents. Soon everyone will get together with friends and family. Relatives may be driving from distant regions to spend Christmas with the family. Older children will get to stay up late and attend midnight Mass. Adults will raise a toast with wine or champagne. The huge Christmas feast will be enjoyed by all. This is one of the most eagerly awaited times of the year, especially for the children. Christmas will soon be here.
Christmas Eve and the Mass of the Rooster Brazil is a country where regional differences abound, but two Christmas customs are universally practiced on Christmas Eve throughout this vast nation. The first is the Christmas dinner, or ceia de Natal. The second is the midnight Mass, known in Brazil as the Missa do Gab, or Mass of the Rooster. Many people host an elaborate Christmas dinner around 10 or 11 o'clock at night, and then go to midnight Mass. In some regions, Christmas dinner is not served until after their Missa do Gab, which makes for a very late night indeed. Christmas Eve in Brazil is very much a family affair— a time when relatives get together to share Christmas dinner. All the married children may converge on their parents' house with their own brood of children, so that grandparents and grandchildren can celebrate together. People who live far away from their family may spend the evening with friends until it's time to go to church. Christmas Eve is also the time when Papai Noel visits the children. For most Brazilians, December 24th is a very busy day. Everyone takes part in the preparations. If the presepio is not already set up, the father starts early and works on it all day to get it ready for Christmas Eve. The house is given a last-minute sprucing p. The best silverware and china are leaned and polished. The children lay out he new clothes they will wear to Christas dinner. And the mother has the aweome responsibility of cooking Christmas inner — no small task by anyone's standards. Most Brazilian women enjoy cooking, and they start preparing the Christmas feast early in the day. They make a special farofa stuffing for the turkey — a dressing that is very different from the kinds of stuffing served in northern Europe and America. Farofa is made with manioc flour, which comes from a starchy, potato-like root that is a staple in the Brazilian Indian diet. Long before the Portuguese introduced their traditions to Brazil, the Indians used the manioc root to make flour, bread, and cakes, and manioc flour has been incorporated into many Brazilian dishes over the centuries. To make farofa, the manioc flour is first toasted. Turkey liver and gizzard, onions, garlic, hardboiled eggs, olives, and bacon are then added, and this mixture is used to stuff the turkey. Many years ago, dried cod was the traditional main course at Christmas, but roast turkey has become popular over the last 10 to 20 years. Of course, individual family preferences differ, and some opt instead to serve a small pork roast or even the traditional cod instead. Many Brazilian families, especially the more affluent ones, serve all three dishes. The dried cod is prepared according to Portuguese custom in a sort of fish cake
known as bolinho de bacalhau. The cod is diced, mixed with mashed potatoes, onions, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and olives, and then deep-fried. The bolinho de bacalhau, served in portions about the size of a muffin, is an extremely popular dish. A great variety of side dishes and desserts are also prepared. Banana pudding is a favorite, and many native fruits, such as pineapples, grapes, and bananas, are found at the Brazilian Christmas feast. In fact, a common Brazilian gift in the north is a crate of grapes imported from the south. No Brazilian Christmas feast would be complete, however, without a dessert called rabanada. Rabanada is very similar to French toast and is so well-liked that it has become a Brazilian institution. In addition to friendly competition that exists among cooks, there are formal contests to see who can make the best rabanada. At this time of year, it is customary to serve this Brazilian specialty to guests, and every Brazilian host keeps a supply of rabanada on hand for visitors. Rabanada is made with large loaves of French bread specially prepared in bakeries during the Christmas season for use in this delicious dessert. The bread is purchased 24 hours ahead of time and left out all night to make it hard and stale enough to slice easily. Each slice is then dipped in a mixture of milk and beaten eggs, deepfried until golden brown, and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar before serving. Sometimes port wine is used instead of milk. Rabanada is easy to prepare and tastes very much like baked cinnamon rolls — small wonder it's a favorite throughout Brazil. Other popular desserts at the traditional Christmas feast include Christmas cookies, honey cookies, mousse, and ice cream. Some desserts are made from family recipes that have been handed down through the generations. These desserts may be known only as "Grandma's pudding" or "Marilucia's pudding," named for the person who originated the recipe. Brazilian Christmas feasts also feature nuts of all kinds. Traditionally, walnuts and chestnuts were imported from Portugal and Spain, because the early settler and their descendants wanted to celebrate Christmas with foods that reminded them of home. But in recent years, domestically grown nuts such as cashews and Brazil nuts have become popular, since they are more plentiful and less costly than imported nuts. These nuts and other snacks are often set out in the early evening. Visitors may drop in, and everyone needs something to nibble on until it's time to sit down to dinner. In Sao Paulo, the industrial center of Brazil, it is customary to visit neighbors on Christmas Eve. Around 6 or 7 o'clock in the evening, many young people go door-to-door wishing their neighbors Boas Festas, or Merry Christmas, with much hugging, kissing, and well-wishing. Many people invite the merrymakers in to celebrate the holiday with wine or coffee, Christmas cookies, and nuts. The atmosphere is warm and festive,
58
and it's a good time to share the spirit of Christmas with neighbors. Brazilians are a very sociable people, and variations of this neighborly tradition are practiced in smaller towns and rural areas all over the country. Shortly after 7 o'clock, the wellwishers head home to be with their immediate family. In the southern regions of Brazil, another very special event takes place on Christmas Eve. Around 8 o'clock, behind closed doors, the parents light the candles on the Christmas tree. There may be dozens of candles, and no artificial lights at all. The excitement grows as the children wait impatiently for their parents to finish lighting the candles. It is a magical moment when at last the Christmas tree is ready and the door is opened. Few things are as beautiful as a room illuminated with candlelight, and when all those candles light up a decorated Christmas tree, the effect is breathtaking for children and adults alike. Afterward, the whole family may join in singing Christmas songs around the tree. "Noite Feltz" or "Silent Night" and "Boas Festas" are among the favorites. "Boas Festas," a song written by Brazilian composer Assis Valente, tells how poor children feel during the Christmas season. Many children sing this tune: "Anoiteceu, o sino bateu, a gente ficou feliz a rezar... eu pensei que todo mundo fosse filho de Papai Noel... (The night has fallen, the bells are tolling, and we were happy as we prayed. I used to think that everyone was Papai Noel's child.) In southern Brazil, Christmas Eve is also the time when Papai Noel makes house calls. Many parents hire people to dress up as Papai Noel and visit their children. Friends and co-workers may also be enlisted for this job. In any event, it is a wondrous experience for the children — here is Papai Noel in person, come just to visit them! They can actually talk to him, sit on his lap, and tell him how wellbehaved they have been. More often than not, Papai Noel brings a huge sack full of gifts — and that is the best part of all! In many other regions of Brazil, however, Papai Noel will probably not make an actual appearance. Instead, the children put their shoes beside the Christmas tree or by their bed. Some children put their shoes near the window. The shoes will be filled with gifts when the children awaken in the morning. The Brazilian version of Santa Claus never comes down the chimney, because there are few chimneys in Brazil — the warm climate makes them unnecessary. Papai Noel simply walks in the front door with his gifts. In other families, the parents hide the children's presents outdoors, and the children search for them — much as children hunt for Easter eggs in America and other countries. Since the weather is warm in Brazil and there is no snow, Christmas gifts can be hidden outside without them getting wet or ruined. Other families put the children's pre-
sents outside the door and pretend that Papai Noel left them there. Around midnight, the children find and open their brightly wrapped gifts. In a country as vast as Brazil, there are many variations on the Christmas celebration, and individual families also have different customs, depending on their ancestry. For instance, a family with strong German origins has different Christmas traditions than a family with Portuguese or Italian roots. Sao Paulo has a large Italian and Japanese population, while Santa Catarina, a state in southern Brazil, was largely settled by Germans. Many people of Polish descent live in the southern states of Parana. and Rio Grande do Sul. The ceia de Natal is usually served around 10 o'clock at night, sometimes as late as 11 o'clock. Most Brazilian cooks have spent all day preparing the meal, and by now, the house is filled with delicious aromas that whet the appetite. Everyone sits down to a beautifully decorated table laden with rich, delicious food, including the traditional roast turkey with farofa dressing, dried cod, and various side dishes. Often a wide choice of desserts is offered, including the rabanada, and fruit is usually on the table — thinly sliced and attractively arranged. Wine and champagne flow freely for the adults, as well as a special Christmas punch made with Brazilian fruit juices. For those families who had their Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve and attended midnight Mass, Christmas Day itself is fairly quiet and more subdued. Everyone has the day off, and this in itself makes Christmas Day enjoyable. Many young people living along the coast of Brazil spend the day at the beach. Others get together with friends to enjoy the national holiday. In the southern regions ofBrazil, however, Christmas Day may be celebrated in a different way. Those who did not attend midnight Mass may go to an early morning Christmas service instead. Later, several related families may get together for a huge barbecue. Everyone arrives around 11 o'clock in the morning, dressed very casually in shorts and T-shirts. A huge picnic table is set up to accommodate everyone. After the men get the grill started, skewers of beef, chicken, pork, or sausage are roasted over the open fire. Sometimes the more ambitious Brazilians dig a pit in their backyard and have a pig roast. At last, Christmas Day draws to a close, and it is time to go home and get some rest — but not for long. Christmas may be over but the Christmas season is still in full swing. From December 24 through January 6, Three Kings' Day, there is almost nonstop activity throughout Brazil — not the least of which is the Reveillon or New Year's Eve celebration. Excerpt from Christmas in Brazil by Rebecca A. Lauer, published by World Book, Inc., Chicago, IL, 1991
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